PCR-based methods in detection and identification of dermatophytes in dogs and cats with suspected dermatophytosis in 2021 in Poland

Dermatophytes from Microsporum, Trichophyton and Epidermophyton genera are divided into geophilic, zoophilic and anthropophilic species which cause skin infection in humans and wide group of animals, mainly mammals. Main species causing dermatophytosis in dogs and cats are Microsporum and Trichophyton. Conventional mycological diagnostic technique includes Saburaud Dextrose Agar (SAD) and others medium cultures, 10% KOH mount and direct microscopy of hairs and scraping. Molecular diagnostic become more frequent in veterinary practice due to shortening of waiting time. In this study we based on two PCR methods. The nested PCR amplified CHS1 gene for dermatophytes detection, and multiplex PCR coding ITS1 and ITS2 fragments for species identification of detected derpatophytes. Most frequently detected species was Microsporum canis, mainly in young cats. Geophilic Microsporum gypseum and anthropophilic Trichophyton rubrum was found primarily in dogs. Molecular methods in dermatophytosis identification are rapid in contrast to routinely, long lasting culture.

[Evaluation of prophylaxis and actual prevalence of HBV infection in twelve hemodialysis centers of Northern Poland]

The aim of the study was to estimate the HBV infection preventive measures used in the twelve dialysis centres in north Poland. In all of the centres hepatitis B vaccination and segregation of HBV infected patients (dedicated machines or separate rooms), which are the two basic HBV infection control methods, were introduced. Our results point out that in some of the centres certain modification of these methods would be possible, including universal predialysis vaccination programme, changes in hepatitis B vaccination schedules with most effective routes of vaccination only and dedication for HBV infected patients not only separate rooms but separate dialysis staff as well.