Recent data's on Microsporum canis dermatophytosis in dogs and cats

Microsporum canis is the main causative agent of ringworm in dogs and cats. Pathophysiological mechanisms involved during this infection are poorly un derstood. Nevertheless it seems that they depend both on the host defense r eactions and on fungal virulence factors. Among host defense reactions agai nst dermatophytes, the skin itself seems to be an efficient barrier due to its structural, chemical and immunological properties. As far as potential dermatophyte virulence-related factors are concerned, several recent works were dedicated to the study of fungal proteases. Recently, several M. canis keratinolytic proteases were purified and characterized and their possible role in virulence are being investigated. These studies on the two main el ements of the host-fungus relationship (host defense mechanisms and virulen ce factors) could lead to the implementation of new therapeutic and prophyl actic tools against M. canis dermatophytosis in dogs and cats.