Prevalence
Among 616 dermatological cases with clinical manifestation, 106 cattle were found to be positive for dermatophytosis on the basis of cultural examination and overall prevalence recorded was 17.20 per cent.Similar findings were recorded by 15.35 per cent
(Guo et al., 2020) and 23 per cent
(Lagowski et al., 2021). However, lower prevalence of dermatophytosis was recorded 8.32% by (
Ambilo and Kebede, 2019) and 11
(Dalis et al., 2019). In contrast, higher prevalence was recorded as 53.39 by (
Begum and Kumar, 2021) 79.72 per cent by
(Tartor et al., 2020). Higher prevalence of dermatophytosis in cattle in present study might be due to high humidity, frequent change in atmospheric condition, poor management and lack of awareness about animal health in livestock owner. An abrupt use of corticosteroid and antibiotic for treatment of any illness in animals and the presence of infected debris material around barns
(Constable et al., 2017) may increase the prevalence of dermatophytosis in cattle.
The age wise prevalence of dermatophytosis in cattle were more in 4-8 year age group (Table 2) which commonly used for agricultural purpose, draught purpose and for other heavy work. They were usually exposed to wear and tear, ectoparasite infestation, harsh environment and minor trauma. Similar finding stated by
(Ming et al., 2006) that trauma leading to scarified skin ultimately increases the incidence of dermatophytosis in cattle. 4-8 year age group highest prevalence 43.39 percent recorded which was similar with the finding of
(Gafoorali et al., 2011) and
(Bhikane et al., 2015) who had noted highest prevalence in age group of 4-8 yr (43.20) and 5-8 yr (43.75), respectively.
Whereas, 12 years and above age group cattle were second most common affected for dermatophytosis (27.35) because they were senile had lower immunity due to age factor which predisposed them for dermatophytosis. The similar findings noted 18.51 by
(Gafoorali et al., 2011) and 31.25 by
(Bhikane et al., 2015). In contrast, the higher prevalence of dermatophyte infection in calves might be due to their weak immunity and alkaline skin pH
(Constable et al., 2017).
In present study, male cattle were more commonly affected than female (Table 2). Similar findings were noted as 46.75%
(Terefe et al., 2017), 96.55% (
Jalil, 2017) who recorded infection rate of dermatophytosis in male as compare to female. On contrary, (Dalis
et al., 2019) observed that females (13%) were more prone to dermatophytosis. In present study males were more infected because in Parbhani district male cattle were primarily reared for agricultural/farm purpose and are raise in open area and with no special housing system /barn design for their shelter. Therefore, bullocks were commonly exposed to ecto-parasites, adverse climatic conditions, major and minor skin trauma (leading to scarified skin) which predisposes them to ringworm infection. Whereas,
(Gafoorali et al., 2011) documented that variation in skin pH and difference in cutaneous fatty acid secretion among male and female might be responsible for sex predilection.
The highest prevalence of dermatophytosis in non-descript breed 24.85 (Table 2) were also recorded by
(Gafoorali et al., 2011) followed by Red kandhari 17.19 and Khillar was least affected 1.36. Similarly, (
Bhikane et al., 2015) found prevalence of dermatophytosis among different breed as in Non-descript, Red kandhari and Deoni were 59.37 per cent, 31.25 per cent and 9.37 per cent, respectively. The higher prevalence of dermatophytosis in Non-descript could be due to rearing of more non-descript cattle in study area.
Clinical observation
Appetite
The dermatophytosis has relative no effect on appetite of animal whereas in some cases it caused a decrease of food intake. Similar finding was stated by
Smith, (2009) who has reported dermatophytosis has no effect on appetite of animal.
Distribution of lesion
The lesions distributed in adult cattle were observed more commonly on hump, neck, back than other parts of the body. These sites were more exposed than other parts as a result they were more subjected to excessive contact, wetness and maceration by rain. The present finding was to (
Swai and Sanka, 2012) who reported similar distribution of lesion. Beginning of lesion in an animal with an established dermatophyte can be present on the coat of cows that appear healthy for 2 to 8 weeks prior to the onset of clinical signs. (
Olhoff, 2003).
While in calves face, dorsum and sides of the body was most preferred site of occurrence of dermatophyte lesions. This might be due to close contact between calves and their dam while nursing which result in spread of infection over the body (
Ambilo and Melaku 2013). Whereas, in suckling calf particularly face was continuously subjected to constant wetting by mammary secretion while suckling which results into continue maceration and wetness which could predispose to fungal infection (
Swai and Sanka, 2012).
Effect of type of housing on dermatophytosis in cattle
Dermatophytosis was developed in a free grazing system as a result of exposure to unfavourable ecological conditions such as dust, pollution, ectoparasites and contact with plants that cause allergies and skin infections during grazing. While, the close contact between the cattle, stress, humidity, lack of exercise, very limited exposure to sunlight were the major reasons for development of dermatophytosis in intensive type of housing. Similarly, outbreaks of dermatophytosis in cattle occurred in intensive housing and in winter months due to overcrowding and contact with infected objects mangers and walls as per (
Eiashmawy and Ali, 2016).
Laboratory diagnosis
Examination of fungal culture
The result obtained were hyaline-septated arthroconidia hyphae masses of round spores in clumps attached to partially lysed hairs which showed ectothrixtype of invasion suggested characteristics of
Trichophyton spp. Sabouraud Dextrose Agar /Culture media. Similar findings reported by
(Lagowski et al., 2021) who had found white and yellow orange on periphery colonies of
Trichophyton spp. While, (
Begum and Kumar, 2021) noted similar characteristics lactophenol stained finding of hyphae and micro/macro conidia.
Prevalence of causative organism
The rodents are the reservoir of
Trichophyton mentagrophyte and plays important role in spread of
T. mentagrophyte. (Moretti
et al., 1998). Similar finding were noted by
Debnath et al., (2012) who documented that
Trichophytonverucosum,
Trichophyton mentagrophyte Trichophyton rubrum and
Microsporum gyspseumon cultural examination. In contrast,
Eman-Abdeen and El-Diasty (2015) who screened 60 samples and found most prevalent genera of dermatophyte isolated were
Trichophyton mentagrophyte (42.85 per cent) and
Microsporum gypseum (10.71 per cent) but none of species of
Trichophyton verrucosum were detected.
Haematological alteration
Haematological observations revealed non-significant changes in haemoglobin (Table 3). Similar finding were obtained by
Gafoorali et al., (2011) who reported non-significant change in haemoglobin value in dermatophytosis affected cattle (12.75±35 versus 12.70±2 g/dl). In dermatophytosis affected cattle there was no significant changes in PCV (Table 3). similar finding was recorded by
(Gupta et al., 2014) In erythrocyte count after comparison with before and after treatment, it had slightly significant changes similar result were obtained by
(Bhikane et al., 2015). There was no significant changes in platelets count before and after treatment. Similar finding were recorded by
(Bhikane et al., (2015). Total leukocyte count value revealed non-significant change before and after treatment in dermatophytosis affected cattle similar with (9.20±0.97 versus 9.45±0.54)
(Bhikane et al., 2015). In case of differential leukocyte count significant variations were found. Similar result was observed by
(Bhikane et al., 2015).
TREATMENT
Clove oil /Syzigium aromaticum (Group I)
The recovery period of clove oil was less (Table 4) than whitfield ointment probably, due to presence of eugenol in clove oil which was most potent and active anti-dermatophytic component
(Park et al., 2007) which act by inhibition of ergosterol synthesis and interfere with integrity and functionality of cell membrane of fungus (
De Oliveira Pereira, 2013). Another important factor was dilution in DMSO can be used as non-irritating delivery vehicles to increase dermal bioavailability of therapeutics
(Notman et al., 2007). Therefore, efficacy of clove oil was better as compared to whitfield ointment (control group). The present findings were similar with
Abdeen and El-Diasty (2015) noticed healing of affected lesion within 7-1 day. Similar observations were recorded by
Park et al., (2007) that hypha growth of
Trichophyton spp. was inhibited within 7 days of treatment. In addition, they noticed expansion of endoplasmic reticulum and inner mitochondrial membrane of
Trichophyton spp. partially destroyed with complete destruction of cell wall of hyphae when treated with eugenol by electron microscopic examination.
Cow urine distillate (Group II)
The effect of cow urine distillate was mostly seen in early stage of infection, where lesion was not widespread in nature. It is also observed that recovery period in this group was more compared to whitfield ointment (control group). The antifungal potential of cow urine distillate is due to considerably alkaline pH. In present work pH of cow urine distillate was reported to be 9.4. The findings was similar with
(Krishnamurthi et al., 2004) who reported that stored cow urine distillate has high alkaline pH (around 9-10) while, the fungi preferably to grow within pH ranged from 3 to 8 as per
(Ali et al., 2017).
Whitfield ointment / control group (Group III)
Whitfield ointment had strong efficacy against dermatophytosis and considered to havekeratolytic, antimicrobial and antifungal effects as per
(Constable et al., 2017).Topically salicylic acid application has keratoplastic, anti-seborrhoeic, antiseptic and fugistatic action. Its keratolytic action is useful for dermal penetration of drug and it also provide antiseptic property. Whereas, benzoic acid has both bacteriostatic and fungistatic action for dermatophyte infection particularly for
Trichophyton spp. with deeper layer penetration as stated by (
Sandhu, 2013) and (
Fonseka et al., 2021).
Present observation was similar with the
(Gafoorali et al., 2011). Who observed 19 days as the overall recovery period for dermatophytosis affected cattle with whitefield ointment. Whereas, (
Al-Farha and Mahmood, 2021) reported early recovery period of as 14 days with whitfield ointment. Hence, it is concluded that that clove oil has better efficacy than whitfield ointment but cow urine was distillate less effective for treatment of dermatophytosis in cattle. The important aspect in recovery of animal against dermatophytosis was establishment of strong cell-mediated response and the start of delayed type hypersensitivity both these factors helpful in spontaneous regression, which leads to elimination of dermatophytes, resolution of lesions and local resistance to reinfection (
Smith, 2009). While accelerated stratum corneal desquamation causes the epidermis to become more permeable, allowing inflammatory fluid to penetrate. (
Wagner and Sohnle, 1995). When infected cattle are unable to mount a successful immunological response, persistent infection results.
(Yaharaeyat et al., 2009). 
