Human-pet Relationship, Pet Abandonment, and Clinical Correlation for Patients Infected with Dermatophytosis of the Glabrous Skin

Sanchai  Sombatmaithai; Sumanas  Bunyaratavej; Pattriya  Chanyachailert; Pichaya  Limphoka; Chuda  Rujitharanawong; Suthasanee  Prasertsook; Charussri  Leeyaphan; Carren  Hau

doi:10.33192/smj.v75i2.260745

Authors

Sanchai Sombatmaithai Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Mahasarakham University, Mahasarakham
Sumanas Bunyaratavej Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok
Pattriya Chanyachailert Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok
Pichaya Limphoka Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok
Chuda Rujitharanawong Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok
Suthasanee Prasertsook Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok
Charussri Leeyaphan Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok
Carren Hau Section of Dermatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Manila Doctors Hospital, Manila, Philippines

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33192/smj.v75i2.260745

Keywords:

Dermatophyte, animals, Trichophyton, Microsporum, pet

Abstract

Objective: The study on human-pet relationship and pet abandonment among dermatophytosis patients is limited. This study aims to review these correlations.

Materials & Methods: A two-year retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted. Case record forms were reviewed for clinical manifestations, fungal identification, human-pet relationships, and changes in the relationships after dermatophytosis diagnosis.

Results: A total of 230 dermatophytosis patients from the Dermatology outpatient clinic, Siriraj Hospital, were included. The mean age was 41.9 ± 19.1 years and 51.3% were female. Among 170 cases with positive fungal culture, zoophilic dermatophytosis from M. canis infection was identified in 15.9% which was predominately found in females and manifested as shorter duration of onset, and higher involvement on exposed areas when compared to anthropophilic dermatophytosis. Most (71%%) of patients with M. canis infection classified themselves as pet-lovers. The relationship with pets had changed after the dermatophytosis diagnosis in 41% of them which was statistically different from 8.8% in non-pet lovers (P = 0.001). The overall pet abandonment rate was 26.6%. The abandonment rate was 40.9% among non-pet lovers, while 30.6% was reported among pet lovers.

Conclusion: Zoophilic M. canis infection was associated with rapid onset and on predominant-exposed areas. Some pets could be asymptomatic, so identification of the reservoirs of dermatophytosis is important in the treatment process and helps prevent future recurrence. Paying attention to human-pet relationships and pet abandonment is critical. Knowledge about dermatophytosis transmission, and appropriate pet management should be advised to decrease abandonment.

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