KERATINOPHILIC PATHOGENS OF SKIN MYCOSES ISOLATED FROM THE SOUTHERN REGIONS OF KAZAKHSTAN

Abstract

In the Republic of Kazakhstan, skin mycoses of farm animals remain a significant veterinary problem, especially in regions with diverse natural and climatic conditions. Studies conducted in Northern and Central Kazakhstan indicate the persistent prevalence of mycoses and a considerable species diversity of potentially pathogenic fungi. At the same time, the southern arid regions have been insufficiently studied.

The aim of this study was to investigate the composition of opportunistic and classical causative agents of skin mycoses in farm animals in the southern regions of Kazakhstan. A total of 349 samples of biomaterial (hair and skin scrapings) from farm animals (cattle, sheep, goats, horses, and camels) were analyzed to identify classical and opportunistic skin mycosis pathogens. The study was conducted during 2024–2025. A total of 63 isolates of opportunistic fungi were obtained, among which molds predominated (96.82%), while yeasts and dermatophytes each accounted for 1.59%. The highest isolation frequency was observed for micromy­cetes of the Aspergillus genera (A. flavus – 33.33%, A. niger – 14.28%, A. corrugatus – 6.34%), Penicillium (P. commune – 11.11%), and the family Chaetomiaceae (Ch. fusisporum – 6.34%). Among all opportunistic fungi, 11.7% showed pronounced keratinophilic activity, 36% demonstrated weak activity, and 52.3% did not degrade keratin. The strain T. mentagrophytes 8.30MRS, isolated from sheep, exhibited high biochemically significant activity in sugar and protein degradation. Keratinophilic and keratinolytic activity was also noted in the strains T. mentagrophytes, A. niger, P. chrysogenum, M. indicus, A. candidus, and A. corrugatus, and the hair perforation test confirmed pathogenic properties in 14.3% of keratinophilic isolates. These results indicate a high biodiversity of opportunistic micromycetes with keratinophilic and potentially pathogenic properties, highlighting the need for further monitoring to prevent skin mycoses in farm animals in arid regions of Kazakhstan.