Ann. Méd. Vét., 2001, 145 (3), pp 174 - 177 Asymptomatic carriage of Microsporum canis in the cat.MIGNON B., BROUTA F., DESCAMPS F., LOSSON B.Abstract :
Microsporum canis is the main causative agent of feline ringworm. This cosmopolitan, zoophilic and zoonotic dermatophyte can be isolated from the haircoat of cats without apparent clinical lesions. This "asymptomatic carriage" can signify either a true asymptomatic infection either a transient mechanical carriage. In the first case, the cat is infected, contagious and must be treated. In the second case, the cat is not infected but must be simply considered as a source of indirect transmission of the fungus just like a contamined environment and treatment is not always justified. The pathophysiological mechanisms involved both in asymptomatic infection and maintenance of the mechanical carriage remain poorly understood. Recent studies in this field, especially at the molecular level, are exposed in this review. Get the PDF Contact person : bmignon@ulg.ac.be |