Identification of emerging trends in the prevalence of dermatophytoses in alpacas (Vicugna pacos) farmed in Poland.

The increasing number of dermatophytoses among animals observed recently in developed countries may be connected with relocation of many exotic species outside their natural living environment. Moreover, an impact on this situation may also be exerted by relapses related to limited compliance with antifungal treatment regimes. Many exotic animals, including camelids, imported to European countries are connected with cases of tuberculosis or zoophilic dermatophytoses in humans. In the present study, we identified and comprehensively analysed dermatophyte infections in alpacas from breeding farms in Poland. As part of this study, we determined the prevalence of dermatophyte infections in alpacas. The conventional and molecular mycological diagnostic procedures applied led to unambiguous identification of the aetiological factors of symptomatic dermatophytoses and asymptomatic animals, that is Trichophyton benhamiae and T. verrucosum. Furthermore, the susceptibility tests allowed choosing the best therapeutic option and revealed superior activity of allylamine drugs against all strains. Finally, in the case of strains isolated from symptomatic dermatophytoses, our study revealed a significantly higher virulence level expressed by high activity of chosen enzymes, especially related to keratinolytic and haemolytic activity. In conclusion, this report indicates that farmed alpacas can be a reservoir or vector for contagious zoophilic dermatophyte infection. For this reason, imported animals should be subjected to meticulous monitoring to detect not only symptomatic infections but also asymptomatic animals.