Abstract
Zoophilic dermatophytes are frequently responsible for superficial mycoses in mammals worldwide. They comprise approximately ten specialized parasitic fungi belonging to genera Trichophyton and Microsporum.
Due to contagious nature of the disease, the majority of species possess potential to cause outbreaks at least in their principal host(s) and at the same time have the capability to infect a wide spectrum of mammals, including humans. The purpose of this chapter is to trace the current changes in the epidemiology of animal-infecting dermatophytes that show large geographic differences and dynamically alter over time.
Emphasis is given not only to the most important and widespread dermatophyte species representing global issue for both animal and human medicine (Microsporum canis, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and T. verrucosum) but also to newly emerging pathogens such as T. benhamiae, an agent of epidemic dermatophytosis in Europe frequently affecting guinea pigs and their breeders or owners. The methods for identification and molecular typing of dermatophytes are summarized due to their importance for outbreak detection and epidemiological surveillance.
Strategies for management and prevention of outbreaks are also presented.