Animals can also be affected by ringworm and may transmit the condition to humans. In this case, ringworm is an example of a zoonotic disease, or a disease transmitted from animals to humans. Although cats are affected by ringworm more than dogs, dogs are also commonly affected. In animals, ringworm causes raised, circular areas that frequently are crusted over and associated with hair loss. However, some infected cats may also carry the fungus without showing any symptoms. On the other hand, infected dogs almost always show the typical skin symptoms of ringworm.
Studies have shown that up to 13% of human ringworm infections (tinea capitis) are caused by an organism that commonly causes ringworm in cats. Other studies have shown that in 30%-70% of households in which a cat develops ringworm, at least one person will develop the condition. Young children, the elderly, and people whose immune function is compromised for any reason are most susceptible to the infection.
Other animals that can develop ringworm (and can transmit the infection to humans) include dogs, cows, goats, pigs, guinea pigs, and horses. As with transmission among humans, direct contact or contact with objects the infected animal has touched (such as bedding, grooming articles, saddles, furniture, carpeting, etc.) is responsible for spreading the infection.
Ringworm is a treatable condition in both animals and humans. Topical (applied to the affected area) medication is the usual treatment for ringworm. In severe or resistant (not responding well to topical medications) infections, oral antifungal medications (taken by mouth) may be prescribed. If a pet has been infected with ringworm, it is important to thoroughly disinfect the home to rid the environment of any remaining fungal spores after treatment.
Related Topics
  Slideshow: See Pictures and Learn About Ringworm
没有评论:
发表评论