Comparison of carpet and toothbrush techniques for the detection of Microsporum canis in cats

Abstract

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic concordance between the toothbrush and carpet techniques for the detection of Microsporum canis in cats in a field study. Methods Thirty-nine Persian cats from a cattery were used. Fungal culture samples from the haircoat of each cat were collected by stroking the coat with a sterile toothbrush and a 5 × 5 cm-sized sterile carpet square (n = 78 total samples). Specimens were inoculated onto Mycosel Agar and incubated at 25°C for 21 days. Both techniques were compared using the following parameters: number of plates without fungal growth, number of plates with contaminant growth and number of plates positive for dermatophytes. Results The feline population in the study cattery was 39. Thirty (77%) were symptomatic and nine (23%) asymptomatic. The diagnosis was made via carpet and toothbrush methods and 78 cultures were performed. On day 21, M canis was detected in all culture plates. No contaminant molds were observed. Conclusions and relevance The concordance rate between the carpet and toothbrush techniques among the 78 evaluable culture plates was 100%. Both methods are equally effective for collecting material for M canis culture. Additionally, both techniques are inexpensive and easy to perform in feline clinical practice.