Perspectives on Dermatophytosis Treatments in Cattle: A Systematic Review

Bovine dermatophytosis is a contagious zoonotic infection primarily caused by Trichophyton verrucosum and Microsporum species, representing a persistent challenge for global livestock production. Its high transmissibility, environmental resilience, and economic repercussions—such as reduced milk yield, weight loss, and deterioration of hide quality—underscore the need for effective and sustainable therapeutic strategies. This systematic review aimed to identify, classify, and critically evaluate antifungal agents used in the treatment of bovine dermatophytosis, with a particular emphasis on emerging approaches such as phytotherapy, probiotics, and nanomedicine. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines and the PICO/PECO framework, a comprehensive literature search was conducted across major scientific databases (Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and SciELO) covering studies published between 2008 and 2025 in English and Spanish. Only peer-reviewed articles focused on Bos spp. with confirmed dermatophytosis were included. .The research question was structured using the PICO/PECO framework, where the population (P) comprised cattle (Bos spp.) diagnosed with dermatophytosis, the intervention/exposure (I/E) included conventional and alternative therapeutic approaches, the comparison (C) involved alternative treatments, placebo, or no treatment when available, and the outcomes (O) focused on clinical improvement, lesion resolution, mycological cure, and reduction of disease duration. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA 2020) guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was conducted across major scientific databases (Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and SciELO), covering studies published between 2008 and 2025 in English and Spanish. Only peer-reviewed articles focused on Bos spp. with confirmed dermatophytosis were included. Two independent reviewers screened and extracted data using a standardized protocol, assessing methodological quality and potential bias. Extracted information was synthesized qualitatively due to heterogeneity in study designs, treatment protocols, and evaluation metrics. A total of 48 eligible studies were analyzed. Conventional antifungal agents such as griseofulvin, enilconazole, povidone-iodine, and ivermectin remain widely used but exhibit variable efficacy, frequent reinfection, and emerging resistance. Conversely, alternative therapies using plant extracts (Nigella sativa, Aloe vera, Origanum vulgare), essential oils, and zinc oxide nano particles demonstrated strong antifungal activity, synergistic potential with conventional drugs, and fewer adverse effects. Integrated treatment approaches enhanced lesion resolution and minimized recurrence under field and experimental conditions. Overall, combined and eco-friendly therapies appear to offer superior clinical and environmental outcomes compared with traditional monotherapies. These findings highlight the relevance of sustainable, evidence-based management strategies for bovine dermatophytosis and emphasize the need for further research on molecular resistance mechanisms, bioactive compounds, and large-scale field validation.

Cite this article as: Valencia Orozco, S., Giraldo, N. R., Molina, V. L., Caicedo, C., Burbano, L. F. C., & Vásquez, K. A. L. (2026). Perspectives on dermatophytosis treatments in cattle: A systematic review. Acta Veterinaria Eurasia, 52, 0138, doi:10.5152/actavet.2026.25138