Comparision of auricle and external ear canal fungal flora between healthy domestic short-hair and Persian cats

Fungal agents are considered as one of the most prevalent organisms in external otitis. The aim of this study was to compare the fungal flora of external ear canal and concave surface of auricle in healthy Persian and Domestic Short Hair (DSH) cats. Samples were collected from 120 healthy cats (60 Persians and 60 DSH) with swab and cellophane tape. Out of 103 (85.8%) organisms isolated from cats, 83 (80.6%) were identified as molds. infection with Dermatophytes were detected in 3 (5%) samples. Yeasts were also present in 20 (19.4%) cats. Based on the results of this study there wasnt any significant difference in fungal flora of the ear canal between Persian and DSH cats. Ear canal and pinna in most of healthy cats harbor fungal filamentous and yeast organisms that maybe pathogenic in suitable conditions. Furthermore dermatophyte organisms in apparently healthy cats can be transmitted to their owners.