Which organism is most commonly associated with superficial fungal infections in animals?

• A. Candida spp.
• B. Microsporum spp.
• C. West Nile virus
• D. Clostridium tetani

Answer: (B)

Superficial fungal infections in animals are caused by dermatophytes, fungi that invade keratinized tissues such as skin and hair. Microsporum species are classic dermatophytes in animals and are the most commonly associated with these superficial skin infections (ringworm) in pets like cats and dogs. Candida species are yeasts that more often affect mucosal surfaces or cause systemic infections, while West Nile virus is a virus and Clostridium tetani is a bacterium—neither of which produce the typical superficial dermatophytic skin infections seen in animals. So the organism most closely linked to these superficial fungal infections is Microsporum spp.