Abstract

Background:
Dermatophytosis is a zoonotic fungal infection of concern in both human and veterinary medicine. It typically manifests as alopecia, scaling, and erythematous skin lesions. Cats, particularly those in shelters, may act as reservoirs; however, data from Indonesia are scarce.

Aim:
This study aimed to determine the point prevalence of dermatophytosis among cats in a shelter in Bogor, Indonesia, using culture-based confirmation.

Methods:
Samples were collected from 20 cats from a cat shelter in Bogor, Indonesia, using the MacKenzie toothbrush technique, supplemented with skin scrapings and hair plucks for direct microscopy and fungal culture. The lesions were scored, and Wood’s lamp examination was used as a screening tool. Fungal cultures on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar and Potato Dextrose Agar with chloramphenicol and cycloheximide provided a definitive diagnosis.

Results:
Of the 20 cats, 14 showed clinical signs, and lesion scores ranged from 0 to 8. Wood’s lamp testing was positive in 11 cats (55%), and microscopy revealed fungal elements (not a specific dermatophyte) in all skin scrapings and hair plucks. Culture confirmed Microsporum canis (1/20; 5%) and Trichophyton verrucosum (1/20; 5%), yielding an overall prevalence of 10%. Both positive cats were symptomatic, underscoring the risk of transmission.

Conclusion:
Dermatophytosis was present in shelter cats. Preventive measures should include early detection, isolation, environmental disinfection, and routine screening of shelter populations.

Key words: Animal shelter; Cats; Feline dermatophytosis; Microsporum canis; Trichophyton verrucosum.