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Ringworm: Infections
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Ringworm is a fairly common fungal infection that can affect several different areas of the body. It is caused by species of fungi called dermatophytes that live on the dead tissues of skin, hair and nails. Some species live preferentially on humans, others on animals.
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Ringworm is the most common fungal skin infection seen in cats. Contrary to the name, ringworm is caused by a microscopic group of parasitic fungal organisms known as dermatophytes (which means "plants that live on the skin"). Ringworm invades the dead, outer layers of the skin, claws & hair.
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Ringworm is contagious. Spores are the infectious stage of dermatophytes and are produced by M canis during an infection. They are typically found in clusters around infected hairs and can only be seen using a microscope. Infected hairs are shed into the cat's environment. Cats may become infected either by direct contact with an infected animal or by exposure to a contaminated environment or object such as grooming tools, clippers or bedding. Spores in the environment are very robust and without treatment can remain infectious for up to two years.
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Ringworm gets its name from the appearance of the lesions that occur as a result of the infection. Initially, the lesions start off small, round, scaly and itchy. Because the lesion heals from the inside out, the sores take on a ring-like appearance as they mend. However, even as the lesions heal, the fungus spreads to other parts of the body, so it is necessary to treat the infection. It will not clear up on its own.
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Ringworm is contagious and can be spread between people as well as from domestic animals to humans. Ringworms in children are especially common, particularly among boys. While everyone is at risk of catching ringworms, some are more vulnerable, especially those people who suffer from eczema. It is ... possible to be genetically predisposed to ringworms, resulting in chronic infections during your life. Unfortunately, repeat infections are entirely possible with ringworms; being infected once does not provide you with immunity to future infections. There is no cure for ringworms.
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Ringworm can be diagnosed through several different methods. A popular but not completely accurate way to diagnose the disease is through the use of a specialized black light called a Wood's lamp. Several species of the ringworm fungus will glow a fluorescent color when exposed to a Wood's lamp. However, it is estimated that up to half of the most common species of microsporum canis do not fluoresce under a Wood's lamp. In addition, a healthy person or animal may have spores on them but may not have an active infection.
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