Abstract

Background:
Meerkats (Suricata suricatta), which belong to the suborder Feliformia, are commonly found in zoos and are increasingly kept as exotic pets. Owing to their close contact with humans, there is concern regarding their potential role as reservoirs for zoonotic fungi, particularly dermatophytes. However, data on fungal species associated with skin and fur of meerkats remain limited.

Aim:
To identify dermatophytes and other fungal species present on the skin and fur of meerkats at Chiang Mai Night Safari, Chiang Mai, Thailand, in 2022, which may have implications for human health.

Methods:
Skin and fur samples were collected from 21 meerkats using the brushing/McKenzie technique. Samples were cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar at 25°C for 14 days. Fungal identification was based on both macroscopic characteristics (colony morphology, color, and texture) and microscopic features observed in lactophenol cotton blue-stained teased mount preparations. This study aimed to detect dermatophytes and identify other potential fungal contaminants at the genus level.

Results:
No dermatophytes were detected. However, various other fungi, including Aspergillus spp. (61.9%), Cladosporium spp. (52.38%), and Penicillium spp. (28.57%), were found.

Conclusion:
Predominant fungal contamination was observed on the skin and fur of meerkats. Some identified fungal species are associated with diseases in humans, which can vary in severity based on immune status. Therefore, keeping meerkats as pets is not recommended in homes with children, older adults, or immunocompromised individuals.

Key words: Captive wildlife; Dermatophytes; Environmental monitoring; Fungal contamination; Opportunistic fungi.