Assay of Dermatophyte on the Fur of Rabbits Kept at Elementary Schools

Rabbits kept at elementary schools were examined to clarify the risks of zoonotic mycosis for pupils and staff. Though no animal dermatophytes, a highly pathogenic human pathogen, were detected on any of 61 animals, a strain of Microsporum gypseum, a lower pathogenic species, classified as a geophilic dermatophyte, was found on 1 rabbit. While the possibility of dermaphyte contamination of handlers from school rabbits seems to be rather low, all personnel and items involving rabbits and cages should be disinfected to avoid extending the risk of dermatophyte infection to children.