Feline friend's fungal worry

We acquired a four-month-old female kitten. Soon after, my young daughter developed red circular patches on her arms. The GP has diagnosed ringworm. Is this a common problem? Both the GP and our vet have started treatment and samples from the kitten have been sent off for confirmation.

- DR DAVID GRANT

It is not uncommon for GPs to ask the patient's vet to check the family pet as a possible cause of skin problems. Ringworm is a fungal infection, in spite of its name, and the fungus, overwhelmingly the cause in cats is Microsporum canis.

It was first isolated from dogs in 1902, hence the name, but it most commonly infects cats.

It often causes lesions in humans who come in contact with infected cats, especially when there is close contact.

It is very good that both the family doctor and vet agree on the diagnosis.

I also agree with sending samples as, although screening tests were probably very suggestive, knowing the precise fungus fully confirms the diagnosis.