Abstract
For about 10 years, a new variant of the pathogen Trichophyton (T.) benhamiae has appeared in Germany, characterized by a previously unobserved culture phenotype with a strong yellow reverse. A few studies suggest that this new variety is now the most common zoophilic dermatophyte in Germany. The guinea pig is the main carrier. Exact prevalence measurements are not yet available. Thus, the aim of our ongoing study was to collect data on the frequency and geographic distribution of the pathogen and its phenotypes (white and yellow) in humans and guinea pigs throughout Germany. Our former studies have already shown that animals from large breeding farms are particularly heavily affected. In contrast to this, 21 small, private breedings were sampled and husbandry conditions recorded. This placed us in a position to identify propagation factors and to give recommendations for containment. For animals from private breedings, we detected T. benhamiae with a prevalence of 55.4%, which is a reduction of nearly 40% compared with animals from large breeding farms. As risk factors, we identified the type of husbandry and the contact to other breedings. Furthermore, certain animal races, like Rex guinea pigs and races with long hair in combination with curls were predestined for colonization with T. benhamiae due to their phenotypic coat characteristics. A prevalence for infections with T. benhamiae of 36.2% has been determined for symptomatic pet guinea pigs suspected of having dermatophytosis and is comparable to the study of Kraemer et al. showing a prevalence of 34.9% in 2009 in Germany. The prevalence in humans is stable with about 2–3% comparing the data of 2010–2013 and 2018 in Thuringia. The new type of T. benhamiae was by far the most frequent cause in all settings.
Highlights
Since the turn of the millennium, infections with the yellow phenotype of T. benhamiae have increased [1]
A prevalence for infections with T. benhamiae of 36.2% has been determined for symptomatic pet guinea pigs suspected of having dermatophytosis and is comparable to the study of Kraemer et al
In order to analyze the frequency of T. benhamiae in skin infections of guinea pigs in German households, we received isolates from LABOKLIN (Bad Kissingen, Germany) and SYNLAB Vet (Augsburg, Germany) over a period of 10 months, from February to November 2019, which tested positive for dermatophytes in routine diagnostics with in-house PCR methods
Summary
Since the turn of the millennium, infections with the yellow phenotype of T. benhamiae have increased [1]. This fungus is isolated from symptomatic guinea pigs, and causes highly inflammatory infections in humans, especially children, who have had contact with these animals. Only children were affected [2]. In the past it was unclear where the source of the fungal infection or colonization of the guinea pigs was located. We had systematically examined guinea pigs in pet shops for the first time [1].
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