Molecular detection and species identification of dermatophytes by SYBR-Green real-time PCR in-house methodology using hair samples obtained from dogs and cats.

The aim of this work was to develop a molecular detection strategy for dermatophytes by SYBR-Green real-time PCR of hair samples from animals. The melting curve analysis of the CHS1 fragment revealed to be reproducible, showing a single distinct peak for distinct dermatophyte species and allowed the diagnosis of dermatophytosis in dogs and cats caused mainly by Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Microsporum sp., and Nannizzia gypsea).