Dermatophytes and Keratinophilic Fungi Isolated from Wild Rodents in Korea

Hong, Jin Kyung; Lee, Jun Young; Cho, Baik Kee; Kim, Shin Ok; Kim, Sang Jae; Jun, Jae Bok

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Animals with zoophilic dermatophytes are important sources of dermatophytoses in man, because zoophilic dermatophytes are frequently transmitted directly or indirectly from domestic and wild animals. Trichophyton(T.) mentogrophytes has a wide range of hosts. Among these, rodents are well-known reservoirs in many other countries. In our country a few sporadic reports of incidence in experimental rats have been reported, but there is no study on the incidence in wild rodents in Korea.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of wild rodents as a host of dermatophytes and keratinophilic fungi in Korea.
METHODS
Forty-nine wild rodents (Apodemus(A.) agrarius; 44, Crocidura spp; 5) were captured from 6 different regions of Kyungi-do with Sherman traps. Fungi were isolated by using the Mackenzie's brush technique.
RESULTS
1. Isolation rate of dermatophytes from wild rodents in Korea was 16.3%. 2. T. mentagrophytes was isolated from six A. agrarius (12.2%). Isolation rates from dorsum hairs, ventral hairs and feet were 4.5%, 9.1% and 9.1% respectively 3. Other dermatophytes and related keratinophilic fungi isolated were Chrysosporium spp.(65.3%), Scopulariopsis spp.(10.2%) and T. terrestre(4.1%). 4. Chrysosporium. was the most frequently isolated species from four out of six Kyonggi-do regions ranging 58.3%~83.3%. Scopulaiopsis was isolated the most in Kumgwang-myun Ansung-gun, and T. terrestre in Kimpo-gun.
CONCLUSION
These results suggest that wild rodents, especially A. agrarius may be the important reservoirs of T. mentagrophytes and other keratinophilic fungi in Korea.