Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.46419/vs.56.6.3

First description of antifungal susceptibility of yeast-like fungi in dermal lesions of dogs in Portugal: A 6-year pilot retrospective study (2018-2023)

Ricardo Lopes orcid.org/0000-0002-9339-9932 ; Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal and Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), CESPU, Gandra, Portugal *
Andreia Garcês orcid.org/0000-0001-7940-3141 ; Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre (CRAS), Veterinary Teaching Hospital, and Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal
Augusto Silva ; INNO Veterinary Laboratories, Braga, Portugal
Paula Brilhante-Simões ; Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, IUCS, CESPU, Gandra, Portugal, and INNO Veterinary Laboratories, Braga, Portugal
Ângela Martins orcid.org/0000-0003-1261-7027 ; Department of Zootechnics, and CECAV, AL4AnimalS, UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal
Luis Cardoso ; Department of Veterinary Sciences, and CECAV, AL4AnimalS, UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal
Elsa Leclerc Duarte orcid.org/0000-0003-0589-3533 ; Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Science and Technology, and Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development (MED), Global Change and Sustainability Institute (CHANGE), University of Évora, Évora, Portugal
Ana Claudia Coelho orcid.org/0000-0002-7196-4179 ; Department of Veterinary Sciences, and CECAV, AL4AnimalS, UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

Yeast infections, particularly those caused by species of the genera Malassezia and Candida, are important contributors to otitis and dermatitis in dogs. This study investigates the prevalence and antifungal resistance of various yeast-like fungi isolated from canine dermal lesions in Portugal. Between 2018 and 2023, samples from dogs with clinically suspected yeast infections were collected and analysed using the Vitek 2 Compact® (bioMérieux, Marcy-l'Étoile, France) and FUNGITEST™ 60780 kit (Bio-Rad, Hercules, USA). A total of 24 fungal isolates were identified, including Malassezia pachydermatis and Candida albicans. Susceptibility testing revealed high sensitivity to antifungal agents such as fluconazole, ketoconazole, itraconazole, and miconazole across most species, with notable resistance observed in Rhodotorula mucilaginosa to multiple antifungals. Intermediate resistance levels were detected in Malassezia spp. to flucytosine and several other antifungals. These findings underscore the need for continuous monitoring and prudent antifungal use to prevent resistance development. The study also highlights the importance of revisiting treatment protocols for Malassezia infections in dogs, given the observed resistance patterns. Further research is recommended to explore the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying antifungal resistance and develop new therapeutic agents.

Keywords

antifungal resistance; clinical pathology; dermatology; fungi; infections; mycology; one health; planetary health; yeast-like fungi

Hrčak ID:

326700

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/326700

Publication date:

16.3.2025.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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