author(s)
Abhishek Dharm Singh, Chanchal Debnath, Ripan Biswas and Rahul Barua

abstract
Nannizzia gypsea is a geophilic dermatophyte which has an ability to infect both animals and humans. To invade skin, dermatophytes utilize different enzymes which are associated with virulence that contribute to their pathogenicity. These enzymes are poorly studied in N. gypsea. The aim of the present study was to investigate the in vitro expression of enzymes like keratinase, catalase, urease, hemolysin and aspartic protease in 17 N. gypsea isolates from pet dogs. In addition, thermotolerance was assessed by comparative analysis of fungal growth at 25°C and 35°C. All isolates showed moderate to high enzymatic activity for keratinase, hemolysin and aspartic protease. Regarding catalase activity, all isolates except one were classified as moderate producers. All isolates produced urease and presented growth at both studied temperatures. Our results revealed a risk to pet-owners as a high percentage of isolates produced these enzymes which can lead to virulence and survival in the host.