Characterization of the cutaneous mycobiota in Persian cats with severe dermatophytosis

Background Persian cats are predisposed to chronic and severe dermatophytosis. Alterations to the cutaneous microbiota are one potential contributor to this predisposition. Objectives To characterise the cutaneous and environmental fungal microbiota of Persian cats with chronic, severe dermatophytosis, and to compare the fungal microbiota of cats with and without dermatophytosis. Animals Thirty‐six client‐owned cats, including 26 Persian cats and 10 domestic long hair (DLH) cats. Methods and materials Skin and home environment swabs were collected from Persian cats with severe, chronic dermatophytosis as well as groups of healthy control cats (Persian and DLH). Sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) region was performed in addition to ITS1 quantitative PCR and fungal culture. Results Next‐generation sequencing (NGS) targeting the fungal ITS region detected Microsporum sp. DNA from all Persian cats diagnosed with dermatophytosis and from environmental samples of their homes. A significant difference in community structure was identified between cases and controls, largely resulting from the Microsporum spp. DNA in samples from affected cats. Persian cats with dermatophytosis do not exhibit decreased fungal diversity. NGS failed to identify dermatophyte DNA on two culture‐positive asymptomatic Persian controls and identified Trichophyton rubrum DNA from a culture‐negative asymptomatic Persian control. Conclusions Aside from M. canis, our results indicate that an underlying fungal dysbiosis is not likely to play a role in development of dermatophytosis in Persian cats. Other explanations for predisposition to this disease, such as a primary immunodeficiency, ineffective grooming or unique features of Persian cat hair should be investigated. Résumé Contexte Les chats persans sont prédisposés à la dermatophytose sévère et chronique. Les altérations du microbiote cutané sont un des facteurs potentiels contribuant à cette prédisposition. Objectifs Caractériser le microbiote cutané et environnemental fongique des persans atteints de dermatophytose chronique sévère et comparer le microbiote fongique des chats avec et sans dermatophytose. Sujets Trente six chats de propriétaires, incluant 26 persans et 10 européens à poils longs (DLH). Matériels et méthodes Les écouvillons cutanés et environnementaux ont été prélevés de chats persans atteints de dermatophytose chronique sévère ainsi que de chats sains contrôles (persans et DLH). Le séquençage de l’IT