WARF TECHNOLOGIES

Microsporum canis is a skin fungal pathogen that causes dermatophytosis (ringworm) most commonly in cats and dogs. Dermatophytosis clinical trials are lengthy and complicated because the nature of the infection can vary. The development of new control measures is greatly facilitated by experimental infection models, in which infections are established and studied in a controlled process.

UW–Madison researchers have established that a strain of M. canis, called UW-8, is particularly useful in experimental infection studies. The strain produces a uniquely bright and consistent fluorescence that makes ringworm lesions much easier to identify and measure.

The researchers have used UW-8 for infection studies since 1993, and the attributes of the strain are supported by a body of peer-reviewed literature. UW-8 was selected from natural field strains and can be cultured readily.

• Experimental infection studies of dermatophytosis

• Reproducible and easy to measure infection model
• In use for more than two decades

The UW-8 strain has been used since 1993 in multiple published experimental infection studies and studies to determine the efficacy of antifungal treatments.

Publications

• DeBoer D.J. and Moriello K.A. 1994. Development of an Experimental Model of Microsporum Canis Infection in Cats. Vet Microbiol. 42, 289-295.

Tech Fields

• Animals, Agriculture & Food : Animal health
• Drug Discovery & Development : Disease models