Non-dermatophyte Filamentous Fungi Research Articles

Nail Clipping with PAS Stain and Correlation with Fungi Isolated in Culture: A Valuable Exchange in the Diagnosis of Onychomycosis

Introduction: The etiological agents of onychomycosis are dermatophyte fungi, nondermatophyte filamentous fungi (NDFF), and yeasts. Nail clippings are an accurate tool for diagnosing onychomycosis. The objective of this study was to correlate the characteristics of fungi observed in nail clipping examinations with the results for agents isolated in culture, indicating whether the fungus found on microscopy is a dermatophyte, NDFF, or yeast. Methods: An observational descriptive study of onychomycosis nail clippings stained with PAS comparing culture results with microscopic criteria of fungi morphology, arrangement/orientation, and location of organisms in the nail and presence of neutrophils, serous lakes, and bacterial colonies was conducted. Results: Thirty-three nail clippings from 29 participants were analyzed. A statistically significant correlation (p < 0.05) was found between smooth/thin/long hyphae with a “combed” pattern and dermatophyte agents (sensitivity 89.4%, specificity 91.5%), and between irregular/thick/short anarchic distributed hyphae and nondermatophytes (sensitivity 61.5%, specificity 89.4%). No statistical association with region where fungi were in the nail or with the presence of neutrophils, serous lakes or bacteria was found. Small, rounded, yeast-like organisms correlated with Candida infection. Conclusions: Although not a substitute for culture, microscopic analysis of fungal structures offers good accuracy for differentiating agents of onychomycosis.

Onycomycoses in Tripoli/Libya

Background: This is study was conducted to determine the chief agents of Onycomycoses in Tripoli/Libya. Specimens were collected over a one-year period for mycological investigations carried out on all nail specimens sent to the Mycology Laboratory, department of medical microbiology, college of medicine. Methods: In the period between Januarys 2021and December 2021, a total of 100 specimens from nails were collected from 100 clinically suspected cases with fungal infections. Direct microscopic examination using 40% potassium hydroxide and culture on both Sabouraud dextrose agar supplemented with chloramphenicol, with or without cycloheximide. Results: The fungi isolated included dermatophytes (n=18), yeasts (n=33), and Nondermatophyte filamentous fungi (n=5). Trichophyton mentagrophytes (n=7) was the most Prevalent, followed by Trichophyton rubrum (n=6). Candida species were also isolated, with Candida parapsilosis (n=17) being the most common, followed by Candida albicans (n=12). Other candida species, non dermatophytes mold and mixed fungal and bacterial involvement were less frequently associated with nail infections. Finger nail was most involved site (n=57) and toe nail (n=45). Conclusions: In this study, Onycomycoses infections were reported more commonly in female (n=68) than in male (n=32) patients. Candida species was the chief agent of finger nail infection in female than in male patients and tinea unguium was more prevalent in male with dermatophytes most causing agents.

Hand-foot syndrome and nail disorders secondary to treatment with paclitaxel: Is there a relationship with the presence of fungi?

This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of nail disorders and the presence of fungi on the nails of the hands and feet of patients with hand-foot syndrome secondary to treatment with paclitaxel. Prospective study, carried out from October 2018 to December 2019, which included 81 patients undergoing treatment for breast cancer using paclitaxel and had signs and or symptoms of hand-foot syndrome with or without nail disorders. The data were collected through interviews guided by a structured questionnaire, information from medical records and reports of mycological exams. The average age of women was 54.7 ± 7.4 years. Nail disorders occurred in 69 patients (85.2%), and of these, 43 (62.3%) were positive for fungi. The fungi were yeasts (n = 38; 69%), dermatophytes (n = 15; 27.2%) and non-dermatophyte filamentous fungi (n = 8; 14.5%). Nail disorders were the most frequent manifestations in patients with hand-foot syndrome treated with paclitaxel and occurred in 85.2% of them. It was evidenced that fungi are present on the nails of these patients and can occur in up to 65.28%. The most prevalent fungi were Candida and Trichophyton. The nail lesion was associated with the type of treatment protocol used by the patient. The results of the study point to the need to select safe management alternatives for patients, so they can prevent nail lesions and prevent the proliferation of fungi, consequently reducing negative life impact during treatment.

Mycotic zoonoses risk from clipping instruments in Pet Shops in Sinop – MT

Pets have conquered the daily lives of families worldwide and because they have a close relationship with humans, they can transmit mycotic zoonoses such as dermatophytosis, malassezioses and candidosis. Studies show that fungi with pathogenic potential have already been granted in clipping instruments and bath articles in veterinary clinics and in Pet Shops. In the absence of data in the city of Sinop - MT, this study aimed to isolate fungi with pathogenic potential in clipping instruments used in the routine of Pet Shops and to identify etiological agents capable of causing mycotic zoonoses. Samples were carried out in 18 clipping instruments, without cleaning, from 10 Pet Shops (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J) in the city of Sinop - MT with swabs and sterile carpets square and then seeded in Sabouraud agar with 0.05% chloramphenicol and mycobiotic agar, incubated at room temperature (25°C) for 30 - 45 days. The dermatophytes and non-dermatophyte filamentous fungi were identified using the microculture technique and urease test and as yeasts using a urease test, zymogram, auxanogram, germ tube and corn meal agar with polysorbate 80. Of the samples from 18 clipping instruments, 15 were positive for at least one fungal genus. The yeast that showed a high prevalence of isolation in clipping instruments from the studied Pet Shops (B, C, D, E, H and J) was Malassezia pachydermatis (86.7%), followed by the genus Candida spp. (C and D; 26.7%), filamentous fungi of the genus Aspergillus spp. (A; 13.3%), Microsporum canis (B; 13.3%) and Trichosporon spp. (J, 6.7%). Our results demonstrate that Pet Shops treat a large number of animals daily in a single environment, which may amplify the risk of spreading zoonoses, as an asymptomatic or sick carrier animal can potentially transmit the microorganism to other animals inside the store and thus to a large number of new pet owners. There is a need to reinforce the commercial requirements specialized in bathing and grooming in the city of Sinop - MT on the good practices of cleaning and disinfection of the elements used and the environment, eliminating or eliminating the risk of contracting mycotic zoonoses.

Successful treatment of resistant onychomycosis with voriconazole in a liver transplant patient.

Onychomycosis is a common chronic fungal infection of the nails caused by dermatophytes, yeasts, and non-dermatophyte filamentous fungi. A relatively high incidence of resistance and treatment failure of onychomycosis to traditional systemic antifungal agents such as terbinafine and itraconazole has been reported. Voriconazole is a novel broad spectrum systemic antifungal that has shown high efficacy against various types of dermatophytes including Trichophyton and Microsporum species in many in vitro and, recently, in two in vivo studies of resistant dermatophytosis. Herein, we report the successful treatment of a resistant case of finger nail onychomycosis by oral voriconazole in a liver transplant patient who failed to respond to traditional systemic antifungals.

Prevalence of onychomycosis among patients with nail psoriasis who are not receiving immunosuppressive agents: Results of a pilot study.

Nail psoriasis and onychomycosis can often be hard to differentiate clinically and may coexist, complicating each other's course. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of onychomycosis among patients with nail psoriasis not being treated with immunosuppressive agents, which constitute an independent risk factor for fungal infections. A cross-sectional study was performed. All adult patients with nail psoriasis who were not receiving antifungal and/or immunosuppressive treatment were recruited at the 2nd University Dermatology Department of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki from 10/2016 till 02/2017. If onychomycosis was clinically suspected, nail samples were collected and direct microscopy with 15% KOH solution and culture were performed. Target-NAPSI and DLQI score were also calculated. Of the 23 patients recruited, 20 were men and 3 were women, with a mean age of 53.43years (48.25, 58.62), a mean target-NAPSI score of 10.72 (9.62, 11.77) and a mean DLQI score of 10.17 (7.46, 12.89). A total of 34.78% of patients tested positive for onychomycosis. Yeast were isolated in 37.50% of cases, non-dermatophyte filamentous fungi in 37.50% and T.rubrum in 12.50%. The prevalence of onychomycosis among nail psoriasis patients is higher than that among the general population of Greece (15%-20%). Yeast and moulds predominate in infection cases of nail psoriasis patients.

Descriptive analysis of mycological examination of patients with onychomycosis treated in private practice.

This is a retrospective study of 160 patients treated in private practice in São Paulo from March 2003 to March 2015. We analyzed 171 results of direct mycological examinations and fungal cultures from nail scrapings. The agreement between direct mycological examination results and fungal culture was satisfactory, consistent with the literature (kappa 0.603). The main agent identified was Trichophyton rubrum (51%). We observed an isolation rate of non-dermatophyte filamentous fungi superior to the literature (34%). Determining the agent is key to defining the appropriate onychomycosis treatment, and knowing the epidemiology of patients treated in private practice helps the dermatologist who works in this context.

Microbiological Sandy Beach Quality in Western Algeria

Microbiological Sandy Beach Quality in Western Algeria Whilst the potential impact on beach users from microorganisms in water has received considerable attention, there has been relatively little investigation into microbial contaminants in sand. From a recreational point of view, sandy beaches are the busiest because they represent a space of relaxation and leisure. Following the large attendance, a possible microbiological contamination of the sand could be a source of pathogenic transmission. Four beaches across western Algeria (Oran) were analyzed during a two-year period (2013–2015) to determine the presence of yeasts, fungi, total coliforms, fecal coliformes, E. coli, Staphylocoques and Pseudomonas in sand. A total of 233 fungi isolates was discerned in the four study areas and an enumeration of 13 genera of nondermatophytic filamentous fungi and five yeast- species belonging to four genera were identified. The fungal species identified in order of importance are: Penicillium spp. Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Fusarium, Rhodoturula, Alternaria spp. Mucor, Candida zeylanoides, Phialophora spp., Cryptococcus albidus, Rhizopus spp., Scopulariopsis spp., Chrysosporium spp., Geotrichum spp., Acremonium spp., Rhizomucor spp., Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida albicans. The high level of total coliforms was 18500 cfu/100 ml, fecal coliformes 5400 cfu/100 ml, E. coli 3100 cfu/100 ml, Staphylococci 5400 cfu/100 ml and Pseudomonas 1100 cfu/100 ml. Among this biodiversity, some species are highly pathogenic to humans, and represent a real danger to public health.

Champignons agents de mycoses superficielles isolés à Dakar (Sénégal) : une étude rétrospective de 2011 à 2015

Superficial fungal infections, particularly of the skin, scalp and nails are very common and have been reported worldwide. The most common causative agents of these mycoses are dermatophytes, yeasts and molds. However, these agents vary with time and depend on many factors including the geography. The objective of this study was to identify the causative agents of superficial mycoses diagnosed at the Le Dantec University Hospital in Dakar (Senegal). The study concerned 1851outpatients received in the parasitological and mycological laboratory of Le Dantec hospital during the period from January 2011to December 2015. Every patient benefited from direct examination and mycological culture. Among the 1851patients, 633were confirmed with superficial mycoses and the prevalence was 34.2%. The age of patients ranged from two months to 81years with a mean age of 31years. Superficial mycoses were found more in women (70.3%) than men (29.7%) and a little more than thirty-nine percent (39.3%) were adults. The causative agents identified were: dermatophytes (58%), yeast (36.7%) and non-dermatophytic filamentous fungi (NDFF, 5.3%). The most isolated species were: Candida albicans (26.9%), Trichophyton soudanense (24.9%) and T.rubrum (13.7%). These fungi were responsible for different clinical aspects, isolated and other associated. Among the isolated clinical aspects, those affecting hair (tinea capitis) were by far the largest with 44.8%, followed by tinea unguium (34.5%). Associations were especially type of tinea capitis and tinea manuum (2.4%) and toenails onychomycosis associated with interdigital tinea pedis (2.7%). Tinea capitis agents were exclusively dermatophytes and the predominant agent was T.soudanense with 47,8%. Tinea unguium agents were yeast (79%), dermatophytes (18%) or NDFF (3%) and the most found species was C.albicans (63.9%). Dermatophytes, yeasts and molds were respectively found more in children and young adults, older adults and young adults and older adults and the elderly. In definitive, these epidemiological data should enable better diagnostic and therapeutic management of superficial mycoses.

Fungal interdigital tinea pedis in Dakar (Senegal)

Fungal interdigital tinea pedis (FITP) is the most frequent dermatomycosis in industrial countries. In African tropics, it's a rare motive of consultation and is discovered while complicated. The aims of this article were: to determine the frequency of interdigital tinea pedis among overall mycological analysis in our laboratory; to study epidemiological, clinical and mycological aspects of FITP in outpatients attending the Le Dantec mycology laboratory in Dakar. A total of 62 males (60%) and 42 females (40%), mean age: 43.15 years (range: 11-81 years), were received from January 2011 to December 2015 for suspicion of FITP. Skin specimens were taken from all patients for microscopy and fungal culture. The frequency of ITP represents 5.6% (104/1851) among our overall mycological analysis. FITP was confirmed in 68 patients (SPI=65.38%), mainly located between the 4th and 5th toes and 71 fungal species were isolated (CPI=68.27%). Among patients with confirmed FITP, there were 38 males (56%) and 30 females (44%). The prevalence was highest in patients between 44 and 54 years (26%). Candida albicans, Fusarium solani and Trichophyton interdigitale were shown to be the most common pathogens respectively for yeasts (39%), non-dermatophytic filamentous fungi (NDFF; 21%) and dermatophytes (11%). So FITP isn't a common reason for consultation in Dakar but its simple parasitic index (SPI) is still very high and dermatophytes formerly the main causative agents are being relegated to third place behind yeasts and NDFF.

A review on the inhibitory potential of Nigella sativa against pathogenic and toxigenic fungi.

Nigella sativa (N. sativa) grows in various parts of the world, particularly in Iran. It has been traditionally used as a folk remedy to treat a number of diseases. The seeds of this plant contain moisture, proteins, carbohydrates, crude fiber, alkaloids, saponins, ash, fixed oils and essential oil. The major components of the essential oil are thymoquinone, p-cymene, trans-anethole, 2-methyl-5(1-methyl ethyl)-Bicyclo[3.1.0]hex-2-en and γ-terpinene. So far, several pharmacological effects such as anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and anti-microbial have been reported for N. sativa or its active compounds. Thymoquinone, thymohydroquinone and thymol are the most active constituents which have different beneficial properties. The oil, extracts and some of N. sativa active components possessed moderate in vitro and in vivo inhibitory activity against pathogenic yeasts, dermatophytes, non-dermatophytic filamentous fungi and aflatoxin-producing fungi. The main morphological changes of pathogenic and toxigenic fungi treated with N. sativa oil were observed in the cell wall, plasma membrane and membranous organelles, particularly in the nuclei and mitochondria. Although this review represents first step in the search for a new anti-fungal drug, the full potential of N. sativa as a fungitoxic agent has not been exploited and necessitates further investigations.

ONICOMICOSE E PSORÍASE UNGUEAL

A psoríase é uma doença crónica, imunologicamente mediada, que afecta cerca 2% da população. Resulta de uma predisposição poligénica em combinação com factores ambientais, por exemplo traumatismos, infecções, ou fármacos. Todas as formas de psoríase podem apresentar atingimento ungueal (40-45%), mas por vezes este pode ocorrer isoladamente (5%). A onicomicose é a infecção das unhas causada por fungos dermatófitos, leveduras ou fungos filamentosos não dermatófitos; o agente mais frequente é o Trichophyton rubrum (T. rubrum). Mantém-se a controvérsia em relação à maior ou menor prevalência da onicomicose em doentes com psoríase. As alterações ungueais causadas pela psoríase são, por vezes, clinicamente indistinguíveis daquelas por onicomicose, sendo obrigatório o seu diagnóstico diferencial, uma vez que o tratamento é distinto. Existem vários estudos que analisam a eventual predisposição de onicomicose em doentes com psoríase ungueal e a presente revisão bibliográfica tem como objectivo a análise desses estudos, até à data publicados.

Study of wild type and non-wild type distribution pattern of clinical isolates of non-dermatophyte filamentous fungi in ocular specimens based on epidemiological cutoff values of voriconazole, itraconazole & amphotericin-B by disc diffusion method in tertiary care eye institute of Gujarat, India

Study of wild type and non-wild type distribution pattern of clinical isolates of non-dermatophyte filamentous fungi in ocular specimens based on epidemiological cutoff values of voriconazole, itraconazole & amphotericin-B by disc diffusion method in tertiary care eye institute of Gujarat, India

Etiologic significance of &lt;i&gt;Aspergillus terreus&lt;/i&gt; in primary cutaneous mycosis of an agricultural worker

This pilot study was aimed to elucidate the growing role of non-dermatophytic filamentous moulds in the cutaneous lesions of laborers who worked in agriculture field in the villages of Bharauch, Gujarat ,India. Eighteen patients (13 males and 5 females, aged 21 to 46 years) with various skin problems presented to the outpatient department (OPD) of Welfare Hospital and Research Center, and Shashwat Skin Clinic, Bharauch, India were examined for the non-dermatophytic filamentous fungi by using standard mycological techniques. All the specimens were treated in 10 % potassium hydroxide solution of direct microscopy; and cultural isolation was done onto Sabouraud medium with chloramphenicol. The detailed identification of fungal isolates was carried out in “ Narayan” stain. The treatment of patient was attempted with oral administration of itraconazole. Aspergillus terreus was identified in the cutaneous lesion of 1 of the 18 patients both by direct microscopy as well as by cultural isolation. The cinnamon-brown coloured colonies of A. terreus grew in pure culture from the biopsied tissue on Sabouraud dextrose agar with chloramphenicol. In “Narayan” stain, conidial heads of A. terreus were found compact, biseriate, and densely columnar. The patient had received trauma on the skin of right lower leg by wooden splinter while working in the field. The oral administration of itraconazole for 12 weeks showed good clinical response. The demonstration of A. terreus in the skin lesion by direct microscopy and cultural isolation, and good response to antifungal drugs clearly indicated that our patient was suffering with cutaneous mycosis. The patient with chronic cutaneous lesion, history of the skin trauma, and occupational exposure to the soil should be investigated for cutaneous mycosis. The immediate attention to traumatic injury to the skin is highly imperative to prevent the further complications. This seems to be first report of primary cutaneous mycosis due to A. terreus in an immunocompetent patient from this part of India.

MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry identification of filamentous fungi in the clinical laboratory

This study aimed to validate the effectiveness of a standardised procedure for the MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry (MS)-based identification on a large sample of filamentous fungi routinely identified in university hospitals' laboratories. Non-dermatophyte filamentous fungi prospectively isolated in the routine activity of five teaching hospitals in France were first identified by conventional methods in each laboratory and then by MS in one centre. DNA sequence-based identification resolved discrepancies between both methods. In this study, of the 625 analysed filamentous fungi of 58 species, 501 (80%) and 556 (89%) were correctly identified by conventional methods and MS respectively. Compared with the conventional method, MS dramatically enhanced the performance of the identification of the non-Aspergillus filamentous fungi with a 31-61% increase in correct identification rate. In conclusion, this study on a large sample of clinical filamentous fungi taxa demonstrates that species identification is significantly improved by MS compared with the conventional method. The main limitation is that MS identification is possible only if the species is included in the reference spectra library. Nevertheless, for the routine clinical laboratory, MS provides the means to attain markedly accurate results in filamentous fungi identification, which was previously restricted to only a few reference laboratories.

Identification and antifungal susceptibility of fungi isolated from dermatomycoses

Dermatomycoses are superficial fungal infections of the skin, hair and nails that affect more than 20-25% of the people worldwide. These infections can be caused by yeasts, dermatophytes and non-dermatophyte filamentous fungi (NDFF) and are considered a public health problem. Despite this, few studies have investigated the prevalence and antifungal susceptibility of causative agents of dermatomycoses in the developing world. The aims of this study were to identify and determine the antifungal susceptibility profile of yeast and filamentous fungi isolated from dermatomycoses in Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Specimens were obtained from patients with clinically diagnosed and laboratory confirmed dermatomycosis between July 2009 and July 2011. Fungal identification was based on classical methods and antifungal susceptibility testing was performed by broth microdilution method. Of the 216 fungal isolates, 116 (53.8%) were yeasts, 70 (32.4%) dermatophytes and 30 (13.8%) NDFF. Onychomycosis was the most common clinical condition. Candida parapsilosis (24.1%) and Trichophyton rubrum (17.1%) were the fungi most frequently isolated. Voriconazole, ketoconazole and itraconazole were the most potent antifungal agents against yeast, whereas terbinafine, voriconazole and itraconazole had a high in vitro activity against dermatophytes. Overall, the antifungal agents had little or no activity against NDFF and the highest minimum inhibitory concentrations were those against Fusarium spp. Yeasts, particularly C. parapsilosis, play an important role as causative agents of dermatomycosis in our region. Our results suggest that the antifungal susceptibility testing coupled with proper identification of the fungi may be useful to assist clinicians in determining the appropriate therapy for dermatomycoses.

Detection and identification of non-dermatophyte filamentous fungi in onychomycosis: conventional and PCR methods

Detection and identification of non-dermatophyte filamentous fungi in onychomycosis: conventional and PCR methods

Fungal agents in different anatomical sites in Public Health Services in Cuiabá, state of Mato Grosso, Brazil

A contribution to the regional epidemiological profile of the most common fungal agents in Public Health Services in Cuiabá, state of Mato Grosso, including university hospitals and polyclinics. Clinical specimens (n = 1,496) from 1,078 patients were collected, submitted to direct mycological exam (potash or stick tape method) and cultured in specific mediums. Dermatophytic and non-dermatophytic agents were identified according to micromorphology (Ridell technique). The majority of the 1,496 specimens were skin (n = 985) and nail exams (n = 472). Of the 800 positive cultures, 246 (30.8%) corresponded to dermatophytes and 336 (42%) to yeasts of the genus Candida, 190 (23.7%) to other yeasts, 27 (3.4%) to non-dermatophytic filamentous fungi and one (0.1%) the agent of subcutaneous mycosis. Lesions considered primary occurred in greater numbers (59.5%) than recurrent lesions (37.4%), with a greater concentration of positivity occurring on the arms and legs. Comorbidities, allergies and diabetes mellitus were conditions associated with greater positivity in direct mycological exams and cultures. Positive culture was considered a definitive diagnosis of fungal infection and confirmed 47.8% of diagnostic hypotheses.

Aspectos epidemiológicos de pacientes com lesões ungueais e cutâneas causadas por Scytalidium spp

Dermatomycoses caused by non-dermatophyte filamentous fungi are rare infections, except for onychomycosis, whose prevalence has increased over the past few years. Among these etiologic agents, we highlight Scytalidium dimidiatum and S. hyalinum, emergent fungi that cause mycoses that affect the nails and skin. To investigate the characteristics of onychomycosis and other mycoses caused by the fungi Scytalidium spp, using sex, age and site of infection as parameters. Eighty-one samples were evaluated showing positive culture for Scytalidium spp, obtained from 74 patients referred to the Laboratory of Investigation in Dermatology (ID) located in the city of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, between 1997 and 2006. The samples were submitted to diagnostic confirmation through direct exam and culture. The prevalence of onychomycosis caused by Scytalidium spp. was of 0,87%. The most prevalent age was between 41-60 years (48.64%). Regarding the site of infection, the feet (91.36%) were most affected, with predominance of the left hallux. Hyaline hyphae were the most common structures in direct examination and the species S. dimidiatum was the most frequent in culture. Onychomycosis caused by Scytalidium spp. is rare and S. dimidiatum was the most isolated species in this laboratory during the period of the study.

집단 사육 되는 토끼에서 호발하는 피부병에 관한 병인론적 연구

본 실험은 2007년 8월에서 9월 동안, 집단 사육되는 토끼에서 피부병을 유발한 주 병원체를 확인하고 역학적인 특성을 조사하기 위해 실시되었다. 총 10개의 농장에서 임상적으로 피부병이 명확한 토끼들을 선별하여 실험에 공시하였다. 40마리의 토끼 피부병변에서 모발 및 피부 조직 520개를 채취하여 진균학적, 세균학적, 기생충학적으로 검사를 실시하였다. 피부사상균, 세균성 피부염 그리고 기생충성 피부염의 발병율은 각각 95%, 92.5% 그리고 7.5%로 나타났다. 진균 배양 결과에서 피부 사상균의 주된 원인체로 Trichophyton mentagrophyte (95%)가 가장 많이 검출되었고, 그 다음으로 Aspergillus s(5%)와 Cryptococcus humilocus (2.5%)가 순차적으로 검출되었다. 세균 배양 결과에서는 토끼의 세균성 피부염을 유발하는 원인체로 Staphylococcus coagulase가 가장 많이 검출되었고, Staphylococcus aureus가 두 번째로 많은 비율을 차지하였다. 이 연구에서는 외부 기생충의 검출은 낮게 나타났으며, Psoroptes cuniculi가 40마리의 토끼 중 3마리에서(7.5%) 검출되었다. 본 실험의 결과는 토끼 피부병 치료와 연구에 관련한 기초 정보를 제공할 것이라 판단된다. This study was carried out between August and September 2007 to determine the causative agents and epidemiologic features of rabbit dermatitis in Korea. Rabbits were shipped to the laboratory in the College of Veterinary Medicine from 10 rabbit farms. A total of 520 hair, blood, and skin specimens collected from skin lesions of 40 rabbits with suspected dermatopathy were examined mycologically, bacteriologically, and parasitologically. The positive rates of dermatophytosis, bacterial skin dermatitis, and ectoparasite dermatitis were 95, 92.5, and 7.5%, respectively. The etiologic agents of dermatophytosis were identified as Trichophyton mentagrophyte (95%), non-dermatophytic filamentous fungi such as Aspergillus s(5%), and Cryptococcus humilocus (2.5%). With respect to bacteria-related skin dermatitis, Staphylococcus coagulase negative was the most common etiological agent. Staphylococcus aureus was the second most frequent causative agent. Most of the pathogenic isolates were resistant to tetracycline, and aminoglycosides such as amikacin and gentamicin were the most effective drugs against the pathologic bacteria isolated. Ectoparasites were rarely detected in this study. Only Psoroptes cuniculis was detected in 3 (7.5%) out of the 40 tested rabbits. The role of ectoparasites as a causative agent of dermatitis in rabbits in this study was minimal. Our results provide important information related to rabbit dermatitis treatments and researches.