Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, And Pharmacotherapy Of Dermatophytosis In Cats

This review article discusses the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of dermatophytosis in cats, a common fungal skin infection caused by Ascomycota fungi. Persian cats and young animals are more susceptible, with factors like immunodeficiency and environmental conditions influencing disease severity. Diagnosis involves clinical evaluation and laboratory tests, including Wood’s lamp examination and fungal culture. Dermatophytosis presents as circular alopecia, often with mild or no pruritus, and lesions typically start on the muzzle and ears. Treatment combines topical and systemic antifungal agents, with a novel approach using the fungus Pythium oligandrum.