A study was done to screen cattle in animal farms and markets for skin fungal lesions. The fungi associated with the infections were identified. Out of 8,500 cattle screened 3.58% (n=304) had fungal lesions. Fifty milk samples from the animals and 50 soil samples from the environment were collected for fungal analysis. Antifungal biogram and animal pathogenecity studies were also done. Prevalence of fungal infections was higher on cattle from farms than those sampled at the markets. The cows were mostly affected (51.15%). Infection was more prevalent (54.43%) in cattle between 13-24 months of age. The udder was mostly affected (46.96%), while the head was the least affected (1.52%). Fungi was isolated from 86.84% of cattle, in all soil samples and 82% of milk samples collected. Fungi recovered from the cattle included Trichophyton verrucosum 18.56% (n=49), Trichophyton megninii 3.03% (n=8), Trichophyton mentagropytes 11.74% (n=31), Sporothrix schenckii 17.47% (n= 46), Candida albicans 10.23% (n=27), Fusarium solanii 30(11.36%), Geotricum candidum 7.2% (n=19) and Aspergillus species 20.45% (n=54). Pathogenecity studies of the isolates on laboratory mice revealed that T.mentagrophytes and T.verrucosum were highly virulent. Fungal isolates were more sensitive to fluconazole than ketoconazole, miconazole and grisofulvin. In conclusion mycotin skin infections was being promoted by poor sanitary conditions but it could be averted if proper sanitary measures were taken.
You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.