Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
How accurate are tests for fungal skin infection in cats
By Mendes, Andressa Lorena Silveira et al.·Published in Open veterinary journal·2024·Veterinary School, Brazil·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Dermatophytosis in cats: A comprehensive study on diagnostic methods and their accuracy.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of cats with skin issues were tested for a contagious fungal infection called dermatophytosis (ringworm). Various diagnostic methods were used, including direct hair examination, fungal cultures, and a highly sensitive test called PCR. The PCR test proved to be the most accurate and reliable method for diagnosing this infection, while traditional methods were less effective. This means that if your cat shows signs of skin problems, asking your veterinarian about the PCR test could lead to a quicker and more accurate diagnosis.
People also search for: cat skin infection diagnosis · feline ringworm treatment · PCR test for cat dermatophytosis
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Dermatophytosis is a contagious fungal infection that affects mainly cats. It poses significant challenges in veterinary medicine due to its zoonotic potential and impact on animal and public health. Rapid and reliable diagnosis is crucial for preventing the spread of the disease, guiding treatment decisions, and monitoring disease control efforts. Although there are several studies on diagnostic methods in feline dermatophytosis, the comparison between them from the same sample lacks data. The absence of a universally accepted gold standard diagnostic method highlights the need for a multifaceted approach to diagnosing feline dermatophytosis. AIM: This study aims to assess the accuracy and efficacy of different diagnostic techniques comprehensively. METHODS: For this, 48 samples of cats were analyzed by dermoscopy, direct hair examination, fungal culture using various media (Mycosel, Sabouraud, and Dermatophyte Test Medium), and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: Direct examination and dermoscopy yielded unsatisfactory results. Mycosel and Sabouraud were suboptimal. DTM demonstrated superior selectivity, making it the most reliable among traditional methods. PCR was the top performer, exhibiting singular sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. CONCLUSION: The study suggests that PCR may be the preferred choice for diagnosing feline dermatophytosis in clinical practice, especially when rapid and accurate results are essential.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38808284/