Virbac Dermatophytosis test, N6

Dermatophytest™ Veterinary diagnostic kit For in vitro use only. Clinical scope Dermatophytosis is a fungal skin infection that commonly affects dogs, cats, rodents and rabbits. It is caused by various species of dermatophytes (fungi), especially Microsporum and Trichophyton. Microscopic examination of hair and skin samples or Wood's lamp examination does not provide an accurate diagnosis. The final diagnosis is established only after the growth of dermatophytes in the culture medium. Dermatophytosis is a zoonosis, so it can also be transmitted to humans. Principle Dermatophytest is a selective agar medium used for the diagnosis of dermatophytosis. Pathogenic dermatophytes (Microsporum and Trichophyton) metabolize nitrogen compounds in the medium at room temperature, which cause alkalinity of the medium, causing the medium to turn from yellow-orange to red within a week. Procedure Preparation of the offense Wash the damaged skin with 70% alcohol or (non-fungicidal) soap. Dry with a paper towel. Remove any saprophytic material that may mask dermatophyte growth. Research Skin scraping: Scrape the lesion with a slide or non-sharp scalpel blade, starting at the edge of the lesion and moving toward healthy skin. Transfer the hair and skin scraps onto the agar medium. Hair plucking: Place the cut hair and pieces of skin on the medium. Swab test: Clean the affected skin with a sterile swab moistened with a few drops of distilled water, then transfer the sample to the agar medium by gently drawing back and forth. Sowing Write the animal's name and date on the agar medium container. Do not close the container completely during incubation, as air exchange with the environment promotes the growth of fungi. Allow to grow at room temperature, avoiding light. Results First assess two days after inoculation and check every other day for up to 14 days. Dermatophyte growth causes a change in the color of the medium from yellow-orange to red. Positive result: Mild red discoloration accompanied by clear, fluffy or fibrous colonies. The color change caused by the growth of saprophytic microorganisms is slower, occurring after 1-2 weeks, and the morphology of these colonies is not characteristic of dermatophytes. Recommendations Shelf life: 16 months from the date of manufacture, when stored at +2 °C - +8 °C. Precautions: Always wear protective gloves, avoid light, keep agar containers open. Sterilize used instruments. This test is intended to help diagnose dermatophytosis, but the final diagnosis must be made by a veterinarian.