Growing Significance of Microsporum canis in Tinea of Animal Handlers

Aim: The prime objective of this study was to ascertain the etiologic role of Microsporum canis in various dermatological disorders of patients from rural areas of Bharauch,Gujarat, India. Materials and Methods: In all 27 patients of both sexes and different age groups attending the OPD of Welfare Hospital and Shashwat Clinic were investigated for M.canis infection by employing standard mycological techniques. Results : Out of 27 patients examined, only three were found positive for M.canis. All the patients had close contact with sick animals. Narayan stain revealed the detailed morphology of M.canis isolates. Chemotherapy with topical application of anifungal drugs was successful in all the patients. Conclusion: It is deduced that patients with a history of contact with should be investigated for the zoophilic dermatophyes particularly M.canis as this fungus has emerged as global mycotic pathogen of humans and animals. It is recommended that epidemiological investigation should be conducted to establish the source of infection.Wider use of Narayan stain is recommended in all the laboratories working on fungal infections of humans and animals.