Journal of Veterinary Research

Journal of Veterinary Research

Comparision of auricle and external ear canal fungal flora between healthy domestic short-hair and Persian cats

Authors
Shahram Jamshidi
Shahram Jamshidi
Ali Reza Khosravi
Hesamodin Akbarain
10.22059/jvr.2012.28502
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Fungal agents are considered as one of the most prevalent organisms in external otitis. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the fungal flora of external ear canal and concave surface of auricle in healthy Persian and Domestic Short Hair (DSH) cats. METHODS: Samples were collected from 120 healthy cats (60 Persians and 60 DSH) with swab and cellophane tape. RESULTS: Out of 103 (85.8%) organisms isolated from cats, 83 (80.6%) were identified as molds. infection with Dermatophytes were detected in 3 (5%) samples. Yeasts were also present in 20 (19.4%) cats. Based on the results of this study there wasn't any significant difference in fungal flora of the ear canal between Persian and DSH cats. CONCLUSIONS: Ear canal and pinna in most of healthy cats harbor fungal filamentous and yeast organisms that maybe pathogenic in suitable conditions. Furthermore dermatophyte organisms in apparently healthy cats can be transmitted to their owners.
Keywords
domestic short hair cats
external ear
fungal flora
persian cats
Journal of Veterinary Research
Volume 67, Issue 3 - Serial Number 3
Summer 2012
Pages 251-256