Characterization and Antifungal Resistance Patterns of Fungi  Associated with Canine and Feline Mycotic Dermatitis

Authors

  • Harini Padala Department of Veterinary Microbiology, NTR College of Veterinary Science, Gannavaram-521102, SVVU, Andhra Pradesh, India
  • Deepthi Balam Department of Veterinary Microbiology, College of Veterinary Science, Garividi-535101, SVVU, Andhra Pradesh, India
  • Anand Kumar P Department of Veterinary Microbiology, NTR College of Veterinary Science, Gannavaram-521102, SVVU, Andhra Pradesh, India
  • Bindu Kiranmayi CH Department of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, NTR College of Veterinary Science, Gannavaram-521102, SVVU, Andhra Pradesh, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.48165/ijvsbt.22.5.28

Keywords:

Antifungal resistance, Dermatophytes, Moulds, Mycotic dermatitis, Yeasts

Abstract

Mycotic dermatitis is a common clinical condition in companion animals characterized by alopecia, pruritus, and malodor. Due to the  diverse etiology involving dermatophytes and non-dermatophytic yeasts and moulds, accurate identification and susceptibility profiling  are essential for therapeutic success. The present study was conducted to isolate and identify fungal pathogens associated with mycotic  dermatitis in dogs and cats and to determine their in vitro sensitivity patterns against commonly used antifungal agents. Clinical samples  (n=20), including skin scrapings, hair plucks, tape impressions, and crusts, were collected from symptomatic canine and feline subjects.  Samples were processed for fungal culture using Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) and Dermatophyte Test Medium (DTM). Isolates were  identified based on morphological and cultural characteristics. Fungal pathogens were recovered from 100% of the clinical samples. The  isolates comprised non-dermatophytic moulds (55%), yeasts (25%), and dermatophytes (20%). Antifungal susceptibility testing (AFST)  revealed significant variation in drug efficacy; notably, clotrimazole demonstrated the highest sensitivity across all isolates, whereas  fluconazole showed complete resistance (100%). These findings emphasize the predominance of opportunistic fungi and highlight the  importance of antifungal susceptibility testing for effective management of mycotic dermatitis.

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Published

2026-09-02

Issue

Vol. 22 No. 5 (2026): The Indian Journal of Veterinary Sciences and Biotechnology (IJVSBT) ( Sep-Oct) 2025

Section

Research Article

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Copyright (c) 2026 Indian Journal of Veterinary Sciences and Biotechnology

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Padala, H., Balam, D., Kumar P, A., & Kiranmayi CH, B. (2026). Characterization and Antifungal Resistance Patterns of Fungi  Associated with Canine and Feline Mycotic Dermatitis. Indian Journal of Veterinary Sciences and Biotechnology, 22(5), 154-158. https://doi.org/10.48165/ijvsbt.22.5.28