Dermatophytosis in donkeys (Equus asinus) due to Microsporum racemosum, an unusual geophilic agent

Abstract

Reports about ringworm in donkeys are scanty and refer to zoonotic agents such as Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Trichophyton verrucosum. Seventeen Asino Amiatina donkeys semi-extensively farmed in paddocks showed alopecic nummular, scaling areas mainly on head and neck. Microsporum racemosum cultivated from the lesions was identified by morphology and PCR. Affected animals healed spontaneously. The present record reports for the first time the occurrence of ringworm due to M. racemosum in naturally infected animals.

Keywords

• Microsporum racemosum
• Donkey
• Equus asinus
• Ringworm
• Geophilic dermatophyte