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Nottinham Trent University

TIK

Tick Identification Key

PIC

Parasite Image Collection

Avian Influenza
A study of the H5N1 virus
--general info and chapters
--introduction
--full document (pdf)

Superficial Dermatitis
Ringworm
Dermatophytosis
--general info
--research
--treatment
--references

Malassezia
Malassezia pachydermatis
--general info
--research
--treatment
--references

Mud Fever
D. congolensis
--general info
--barrier-cream
--research
--references
--treatment

MRSA in Pets
Methicillin Resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
--MRSA Research
--Pet-bedding
--Barrier-cream
--Newspaper clip
--Press Release
--Treatment
--Link
--Pricelist


Anti-microbial research applications
--gallery
--health benefits
--background info
--Press Release
--research
--link

TIK

Tick Identification Key

PIC

Parasite Image Collection

Equine cutaneous microflora
Normal resident bacteria
--general info
--research
--references

Equine gut microflora
probiotics
--general info
--research
--references

abstract

Investigating the effectiveness of three antifungal fabrics on the growth of Trichophyton equinum and Microsporum canis in-vitro. (E. Wiggens, F. Ruedisueli)

Ringworm is a fungal infection that parasitises keratinised epidermal structures such as outer stratum corneum of the skin, hair, feathers, nails, claws, and hooves. The most common cause of ringworm in equines is caused by Trichophyton equinum, and it is a worldwide problem. Microsporum canis is the most common cause of ringworm in cats and dogs. Classical signs of infection include lesions on the skin and hair loss. Topical and systemic treatments help the infection to resolve quicker and reduce environmental contamination. Newer treatments include fungal vaccines that can reduce the severity of infection in large groups of animals, and help in reducing the spread of infection. The potential for an alternative preventative approach is investigated here.

The antifungal effectiveness of Tolnaftate incorporated into three fabrics at different inclusion levels was investigated against Trichophyton equinum and Microsporum canis in-vitro. Fabrics contained high, medium or low levels of Tolnaftate. All three fabrics were tested untreated (no washing). The fabric containing high levels of Tolnaftate was also tested after being washed with detergent at 40° C and 90° C. Measurements were made of the surface areas of the inhibition zones, and of the inhibition rings.

The results demonstrate that medium and high levels of Tolnaftate incorporated into acrylic fibre inhibited the growth of T. equinum and M. canis. It was also shown that washing with detergent at 40° C and 90° C, had no effect on the antifungal properties of the fabric containing high levels of Tolnaftate. These results show a potential for an alternative approach in preventing ringworm infections in companion animals.