In vitro biodegradation of hair from different animal species by Microsporum canis

The studies aimed to compare the growth intensity of Microsporum canis on a mineral medium with hairs of various animal species as sources of nutrition and to evaluate the degree of hair destruction (under light and SEM microscopes). The fungus multiplied most quickly (3–10 days) at the temperature of 25°C on the medium containing the hair of guinea pig, fox, and sheep, and most slowly, on the medium with the hair of cat and dog. The destructive action of M. canis at 30 days was most evident in the hair of sheep and silver fox, while human hair proved to be most resistant to it (at 65 days). The age of the animals affected the degree of hair decomposition; morphological changes brought about by fungal attack were found in the hair of kittens after only 10 days, whereas in mature animals, this took place only after 20–30 days. The decisive role in the decomposition of native hair keratin seems to be played by the proteolytic enzymes of the fungus.