PREVALENCE, DIAGNOSIS AND THERAPEUTIC MANAGEMENT OF MALASSEZIA INFECTION IN DOG AND CAT

Abstract

Abstract Malassezia yeasts are superficial normal commensals and opportunistic pathogens of the ear and skin for many warm-blooded animals. The aim of the study was to analyze the prevalence of Malassezia infections with or without bacterial infections in dogs and cats as well as the efficacy of treatment protocol. A study of 203 Malassezia infection cases with or without bacterial infection in dogs and cats was carried out over a 2-years period at teaching and training pet hospital and research centre, Dhaka. Malassezia infection was isolated from 60% dogs and 40% cats. Males were found more prevalent than females. About 45.81% more infections were confirmed in adult age (3-6 years) than any other age group. Local dog breeds were the rich number for occurrence of Malassezia dermatitis and in case of cat, the infected rates recorded more in exotic Persian cat breeds. Malassezia infection rate was higher in ear pinnae and canals (27.59%) followed by ventral trunk (23.15%), dorsal trunk (14.78%), generalized dermatitis (14.29%), arm pits (6.90%), neck region (5.42%), perenial region (4.43%) and interdigital area (3.45%), respectively. Free roaming patients developed Malassezia compared to indoor patients. Cytological examination revealed small footprint or pear shaped Malassezia spores under microscope as well as bacteria in mixed infection cases and considered as reliable diagnosis. Meanwhile, bacterial infection along with Malassezia was isolated from 57% patients and otitis externa encountered from 33% patients. Topical therapy of antiseptic, antibiotic and antifungal based preparation provided. And a range of systemic treatment was indicated only in severe disease processes. Treatment protocol was effective instead of those who had chronic infection.