Dermatophytosis in sheep due to Trichophyton mentagrophytes; occurrence, haemato-biochemical and pathomorphological changes*

Spontaneous dermatophytosis was recorded in sheep (1.93%) of mixed breeds of all age groups. Trichophyton mentagrophytes was isolated from the cutaneous lesions. Infection was severe and common in young animals (1.19%) belonging to Shahbadi breed (0.89%). The increased susceptibility of infection during winter (1.04%), with highest prevalence in red-lateric zone (1.19%) was observed. Infected animals had anaemia due to significantly low haemoglobin, total erythrocyte counts and PCV; leucocytosis with net increase in lymphocytes and eosinophils; hypoglycaemia; hypoproteinaemia and low serum zinc and copper levels. Pathological lesions comprised development of crusty patches with alopecia throughout the body, and necrotic, inflammatory and proliferative changes in the epidermis and hair follicles with presence of fungal hyphae and macro-conidia. In addition, numerous micro- abscesses were found in the hair follicles of the infected animals.