Conjunctival and cutaneous fungal flora in clinically normal dogs in southern France.

The objectives of the present study were to describe the fungal flora of the conjunctiva in clinically normal dogs in southern France and to compare the fungal flora from the conjunctiva and that from adjacent skin areas (medial canthus and nose). Fifty dogs aged from 5 months to 13 years were investigated for conjunctival fungal flora. Specimens were obtained from both conjunctivae and the skin of the medial canthus and from the surface of the nose using sterile cotton-wool swabs and a piece of sterile carpet, respectively. Identification of fungal colonies was achieved recording the genus level on the basis of macro- and microscopic features. Fourteen fungal genera (most frequently Alternaria, Cladosporium, Penicillium and Aspergillus) were isolated from the conjunctival fornix of 7 dogs (14%). There was no significant effect of sex or age on frequency of fungal isolation. Eleven dogs (22%) had a positive mycological culture from at least one eye. Fungi found in the conjunctival fornix of dogs might represent transient seeding from the environment, as suspected in other animal species. The presence of conjunctival fungal organisms was correlated to the presence of fungi on the skin.