Should Patients with Ringworm Be Rehomed?

Jennifer Schissler Pendergraft, DVM, MS, DACVD, Colorado State University

Zoonoses & Public Health Concerns

|August 2017

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Dermatophytosis (ie, ringworm) is caused by a number of skin fungi and can infect humans and animals alike.¹

In General

Potential sources of infection include domestic animals, wildlife (eg, rabbits, rodents), and soil.
Dogs and cats with dermatophytosis often have well-demarcated hair loss with variable pruritus, erythema, scale, and/or scabs.
In humans, lesions often have a classic ring-like appearance of erythema and scale and usually respond to topical administration of antifungal drugs.

Diagnosis

Many skin diseases in dogs and cats mimic the appearance of dermatophytosis; fungal culture is recommended to confirm diagnosis.
Some dogs and cats may be subclinical carriers of Microsporum canis. Carriers can be a source of infection for other dogs, cats, and/or humans in the home.^2,3
Possible genetic factors or pre-existing skin disease (eg, allergic dermatitis, immunocompromised state) may make some individuals more susceptible than others to developing dermatophytosis lesions.

Owner Communication

A pet with dermatophytosis does not need to be rehomed, but the family physician should be notified, particularly if the household includes children or immunocompromised family members.
A systematic, multipronged treatment approach (many drugs are effective) and environmental management plan should be developed.
Fungal culture of resident dogs and cats should be conducted to assess for carrier status and to separate infected animals from negative animals.
Thorough cleaning of the environment and bedding with soap and water, along with application of appropriate disinfectants, is recommended.

Isolation of infected animals to areas with minimal carpeting and upholstery is ideal.

Thorough hand washing should be performed after handling infected or carrier animals and contaminated bedding.
Immunocompromised individuals should avoid contact with those infected until serial cultures confirm cure.

References and Author Information

References

Allizond V, Tullio V, Cuffini AM, et al. Advances in microbiology, infectious diseases and public health: fungal occurrence in the hair and skin of symptomatic pets in Turin, Italy. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2016;897:55-62.
Bond R. Superficial veterinary mycoses. Clin Dermatol. 2010;28(2):226-236.
Moriello KA. Feline dermatophytosis: aspects pertinent to disease management in single and multiple cat households. J Feline Med Surg. 2014;16(5):419-431.

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