Clinical signs, therapy and zoonotic risk of pet guinea pigs with dermatophytosis

Abstract

Systematic studies about pet guinea pigs with dermatophytosis are rare. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical signs, therapy and zoonotic risk of pet guinea pigs with dermatophytosis. Questionnaires from both owners (n = 74) of pet guinea pigs with dermatophytosis and their veterinarians (n = 101) were analysed regarding clinical signs, therapy and data pertinent to zoonotic potential. Trichophyton (T.) mentagrophytes was found in 97% of cases. In the weeks preceding the onset of the clinical signs, a new guinea pig joined the household in 43% of cases. One third of the affected guinea pigs had lived in the household for less than 3 months. Predominant clinical signs were alopecia (83%), scaling (73%) and crusting (70%). The most commonly affected body site was the head (75%). In approximately one quarter of the cases humans showed clinical signs of dermatophytosis, in half the households, only children were affected. Skin lesions were seen most often on the face, the neck and the arms. Pet guinea pigs carrying dermatophytes must be considered a serious zoonotic risk for their owners, especially for children. A major risk factor for dermatophytosis seems to be a recent acquisition of a new guinea pig.

Colonización por dermatofitos en conejos mantenidos en tiendas de mascotas de Santiago de Chile

“…Las dermatofitosis son afecciones cutáneas causadas por hongos filamentosos denominados dermatofitos, capaces de invadir y permanecer en tejidos queratinizados, tales como el estrato córneo de la piel, pelos y uñas; utilizando como principal fuente de energía la queratina (1)(2)(3)(4). Actualmente estos hongos pertenecen a la familia Arthrodermataceae, la cual incluye 9 géneros, filogenética y morfológicamente bien definidos (5), dentro de los cuales Microsporum y Trichophyton son los responsables de la mayoría de las infecciones descritas en animales de compañía y exóticos, tales como perros, gatos, conejos, cuyes, hurones y erizos (1)(2)(3)(4)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13).…”

“…Actualmente estos hongos pertenecen a la familia Arthrodermataceae, la cual incluye 9 géneros, filogenética y morfológicamente bien definidos (5), dentro de los cuales Microsporum y Trichophyton son los responsables de la mayoría de las infecciones descritas en animales de compañía y exóticos, tales como perros, gatos, conejos, cuyes, hurones y erizos (1)(2)(3)(4)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13). Los que al convivir en estrecha relación con seres humanos impactan negativamente en su salud, por el riesgo de transmisión de estos hongos desde un animal infectado o colonizado (4,6,13).…”

“…Dermatophytoses are cutaneous diseases caused by filamentous fungi called dermatophytes, capable of invading and remaining in keratinized tissues, such as the stratum corneum of the skin, hair and nails; using keratin as their main source of energy (1)(2)(3)(4).…”

“…Currently these fungi belong to the family Arthrodermataceae, which includes 9 well defined phylogenetically and morphologically genera (5), within which Microsporum and Trichophyton are responsible for most of the infections described in pets and exotic animals, such as dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets and hedgehogs (1)(2)(3)(4)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13). Those that live in a close relationship with human beings have a negative impact on their health, due to the risk of transmitting these fungi from an infected or colonized animal (4,6,13).…”

Public Health and Rodents: A Game of Cat and Mouse

“…In another study, where the frequency and types of dermatophytes among both Guinea pigs and rabbits were determined (Kraemer et al 2012), Trichophyton mentagrophytes was determined to be the most common dermatophyte in pet Guinea pigs and rabbits, but asymptomatic carriers were regularly observed only in Guinea pigs. Consequently, pet guinea pigs carrying dermatophytes can be considered as a serious zoonotic risk for their owners, especially children (Kraemer et al 2013). …”