GREAT AT SMALL THINGS

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BCCM/IHEM: a partner in veterinary mycology

Fungal species causing diseases in animals belong in particular to AspergillusCandidaCryptococcusMalassezia and dermatophytes (Microsporum and Trichophyton). They can induce superficial or subcutaneous infections but also systemic mycoses. Their importance is not restricted to animal health and transmission of fungal infections to humans is possible. Animals therefore constitute a reservoir for fungi affecting humans. This is for example the case of Microsporum canis, one of the agents responsible for tinea capitis. The disease causes skin lesions of the scalp, mainly in children, and can be contracted from contaminated cats or dogs living in contact with the patient.

Microsporum canis

BCCM/IHEM preserves fungal strains of biomedical interest and gathers also pathogens of animal diseases. The collection currently maintains about 1000 veterinary strains that are publicly available. They were isolated from various hosts or their environment and represent about 200 different species. They originate from more than 40 different countries and consist of yeasts (ca. 20%), dermatophytes (ca. 30%) and other filamentous fungi (ca. 50%). Hosts include mainly mammals (e.g. pets, cattle, rodents, horses) and birds but also reptiles and insects. They concern both domestic and wild animals as well as zoo residents.

The collection is housed by the Belgian Scientific Institute of Public Health. In 2017, the latter will merge with the Veterinary and Agrochemical Research Centre to form a new institute named Sciensano. In this context, BCCM/IHEM reinforces its veterinary activities, notably by proposing a new training entitled “Fungi from the veterinary practice”. This workshop focusses on recognizing common pathogenic fungal species found in animals, based on macroscopic and microscopic characters. An introduction to general mycology and molecular methods for identification is also provided.

Fungal strains isolated from animals (or their environment) can also be sent for various analyses including identification, molecular typing or antifungal resistance. Finally, BCCM/IHEM encourages veterinary professionals and practitioners to deposit their interesting isolates for preservation.