Canine dermatophytosis as a health hazard to people

Ringworm caused by dermatophytes is one of the most common infectious and c ontagious skin diseases in dogs. Microsporum canis is the etiological agent isolated predominantly from sick animals suffering from ringworm (70-90% o f natural cases in cats and dogs). Most of mycotic diseases in dogs can be easily transmitted to man and they are considered as zoonoses, which are of ten difficult to treat. According to the data collected at the Clinic of In fectious Diseases the problem of ringworm in dogs and other companion anima ls has risen in the past decade. A detailed description a clinical case of ringworm in a dog, which was the cause of familial mycotic infection of the owner and other persons in close contact with the sick animal is presented here.