Detection of Ringworm in Lion-Cubs (Panthera Leo) With Occupational Infection in A Zookeeper at Giza Zoological Garden in Egypt

Saad, Enas; Gouda, Azza; Elassy, Nehal; Salah-Eldein, Ahmed

doi:10.21608/scvmj.2021.218309

Detection of Ringworm in Lion-Cubs (Panthera Leo) With Occupational Infection in A Zookeeper at Giza Zoological Garden in Egypt

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Wildlife and Zoo Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt.

² Animal Health Department, Desert Research Center, Cairo, 11753, Egypt.

³ Wildlife and Zoo Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt

10.21608/scvmj.2021.218309

Abstract

Regular investigation of captive lions is essential to improve the healthcare of this vulnerable species. Dermatophyte infection caused by Microsporum canis was detected in 4 diseased lion-cubs and an apparently healthy one in Giza Zoo, Egypt. Infected lions showed irregular to rounded patches of hair loss with grayish scales disseminated all over the animal body. Moreover, a rounded, erythematous skin lesion was founded in the arm of one of the zookeepers who comes in direct contact with lions. Trial for treatment of the cubs was proved by using Enilconazole (0.2%) solution. The efficiency of medication was assessed by remedy of the infected animals, disappearance of lesions and re-growth of hair. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first record of M. canis in a captive lion-cubs in Egypt. Further studies are needed to evaluate the incidence of ringworm in wild and zoo animals in Egypt. Zoo veterinarians and zookeepers should be aware of this potentially zoonotic infection.

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