Cortisol levels in cats’ hair in presence or absence of Microsporum canis infection

• Published in: Research in veterinary science Vol. 95; no. 3; pp. 1076 - 1080
• Main Authors: Galuppi, R., Leveque, J.F.C., Beghelli, V., Bonoli, C., Mattioli, M., Ostanello, F., Tampieri, M.P., Accorsi, P.A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier India Pvt Ltd 01.12.2013; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Age; Animals; Canis; Cat Diseases - metabolism; Cat Diseases - microbiology; Cats; CFU; Chronic illnesses; cortisol; Cortisol in hair; dermatomycoses; Dermatomycoses - metabolism; Dermatomycoses - veterinary; Female; Gender; Hair; Hair - chemistry; hairs; Hydrocortisone - analysis; Infections; keratinophilic fungi; Male; Microsporum; Microsporum canis; Radioimmunoassay - veterinary; radioimmunoassays; screening; Skin; skin lesions; Veterinary medicine; Italy; Cats; CFU; Microsporum canis; Cortisol in hair
• ISSN: 0034-5288; 1532-2661
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2013.07.023

The purpose of this work was to perform a preliminary screening in the domestic cat to assess the concentration of cortisol in hairs by radioimmunoassay technique (RIA) in presence or absence of Microsporum canis infections. A total of 245 cats (7 with cutaneous lesions referable to dermatophytosis and 238 apparently healthy) coming from 14 shelters were examined. M. canis was isolated in 126 (51.4%) cats. The cortisol levels were significantly higher in cats with lesions or without lesions but with a high number of colonies in the plates (⩾10CFU) than in cats negative or with a lower number of colonies. The results obtained seem to highlight that chronic high levels of cortisol in cats could possibly promote the dermatophytes infections. Furthermore, in High-CFU asymptomatic cats, it could be present a state of infectious, and they, therefore, represents not a simple mechanical carrier.