identification and prevalence of fungal species in canine keratoconjunctivitis: a comparative study in tehran province

Keratoconjunctivitis, an inflammation affecting the cornea and conjunctiva, is a common ocular condition in dogs, potentially leading to severe discomfort and impaired vision. fungal infections are increasingly recognized as contributing factors to this condition. this study aimed to identify and isolate fungal species from the eyes of dogs diagnosed with keratoconjunctivitis and compare them with those from healthy dogs in tehran province.samples were collected from 100 dogs, comprising 50 with clinical signs of keratoconjunctivitis and 50 healthy controls. using sterile swabs, ocular samples were taken and placed in sterile saline solution. these samples were then cultured on sabouraud dextrose agar (sda) under controlled laboratory conditions. the cultures were monitored for fungal growth, and positive cultures were subjected to both macroscopic and microscopic examination to identify the fungal species.in dogs with keratoconjunctivitis, six fungal species were identified: cladosporium (25%), fusarium (12.5%), penicillium (25%), aspergillus (12.5%), scopulariopsis (6.25%), and candida (18.75%). in contrast, the healthy control group showed a different distribution of fungal species: cladosporium (18%), fusarium (18%), penicillium (18%), aspergillus (28%) and candida (18%). the prevalence of aspergillus was notably higher in healthy dogs, while scopulariopsis was only isolated from dogs with keratoconjunctivitis.the results indicate a significant fungal presence in the ocular flora of both healthy and affected dogs, suggesting that while these fungi may be part of the normal ocular flora, their overgrowth or specific species could be associated with keratoconjunctivitis. this study underscores the importance of fungal identification in the diagnosis and treatment of canine ocular diseases.