Recent data on Microsporum canis dermatophytosis in dogs and cats | Donnees recentes sur la pathogenese de l'infection a Microsporum canis chez les carnivores domestiques
2001
Brouta, F. | Descamps, F. | Losson, B. | Mignon, B. (Universite de Liege, Sart Tilman (Belgium). Faculte de Medecine veterinaire. Service de Parasitologie et de Pathologie des Maladies parasitaires)
Microsporum canis is the main causative agent of ringworm in dogs and cats. Pathophysiological mechanisms involved during this infection are poorly understood. Nevertheless it seems that they depend both on the host defense reactions and on fungal virulence factors. Among host defense reactions against dermatophytes, the skin itself seems to be an efficient barrier due to its structural, chemical and immunological properties. As far as potential dermatophyte virulence-related factors are concerned, several recent works were dedicated to the study of fungal proteases. Recently, several M. canis keratinolytic proteases were purified and characterized and their possible role in virulence are being investigated. These studies on the two main elements of the host-fungus relationship (host defense mechanisms and virulence factors) could lead to the implementation of new therapeutic and prophylactic tools against M. canis dermatophytosis in dogs and cats.
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