Characterization of the cutaneous microbiota in Persian cats with severe dermatophytosis

Persian cats are predisposed to chronic and severe dermatophytosis. Alterations to the cutaneous microbiota are one potential contributor to this predisposition. We aimed to characterize the cutaneous and environmental microbiota of Persian cats with chronic, severe dermatophytosis and to compare the microbiota of cats with and without dermatophytosis. Skin and home environment swabs were collected from Persian cats with severe, chronic dermatophytosis as well as groups of healthy control cats (Persians and domestic longhairs). Next-generation sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) region and 16S region was performed in addition to qPCR and fungal culture. Microsporum sp. DNA was detected on all Persian cats diagnosed with dermatophytosis and from environmental swabs of their homes. A significant difference in community structure was identified between cases and controls, largely due to the Microsporum sp. 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 but identified Trichophyton rubrum DNA from a culture-negative asymptomatic Persian control. Aside from Microsporum canis, our results indicate 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.