Mixed infection of Microsporum, Candida, and Malassezia spp. in a Persian cat: A unique case in Rohilkhand region of Uttar Pradesh, India

Document Type : Scientific report

Authors

1 Division of Bacteriology and Mycology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly-243 122, Uttar Pradesh, India

2 Division of Medicine, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly-243 122, Uttar Pradesh, India

3 Ph.D. Student in Veterinary Microbiology, Division of Bacteriology and Mycology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly-243 122, Uttar Pradesh, India

4 Division of Biological Products, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly-243 122, Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

Background: Ringworm is one of the most prevalent superficial fungal infections in felines. The natural commensal skin flora in felines includes yeasts and yeast-like fungi, such as Malassezia and Candida. Mixed fungal infections in cats are uncommon and pose a diagnostic challenge because of overlapping clinical presentations. A breach in the cutaneous barrier associated with dermatophytosis may trigger a flare-up of Malassezia and Candida species, resulting in a mixed infection. Case description: A 2.5-year-old female Persian cat was presented with circular patches of alopecia across the head and ears, coated with thick, crusty lamellar scales. The animal showed no other clinical signs of illness. Findings/treatment and outcome: The clinical sample, including hair and skin scrapings, was cultured on Sabouraud’s Dextrose Agar (SDA). Microsporum canis, Candida albicans, and Malassezia spp. could be identified from the culture plate using phenotypic and molecular assays. The isolates were further subjected to antifungal susceptibility testing. Based on the disc diffusion assay, miconazole showed the largest zone of inhibition against M. canis and Malassezia spp., and the second largest against Candida albicans. In addition, in the broth microdilution assay, terbinafine had the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration against M. canis among the azole drugs. Conclusion: This case highlights the significance of mixed fungal infections in cats with persistent dermatological conditions and underscores the need for comprehensive diagnostic approaches in veterinary practice.

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