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 Bacterial Diseases - DERMATOPHILOSIS

(Streptotrichosis, Mycotic Dermatitis of Sheep)

AGENT:

Dermatophilus congolensis. An aerobic actinomycete with gram positive long branching filaments and coccoid bodies.

RESERVOIR AND INCIDENCE

Occurs in temperate regions worldwide. Natural disease described in horses, cattle, sheep, goats, cottontail rabbits, owl monkeys, lizards, and humans.

TRANSMISSION:

The etiologic agent is an obligate parasite that has been isolated only from lesions in animals. Human cases have arisen from direct contact with infected animals. The most common means of transmission between animals is mechanical thru arthropod vectors. The infection may also be transmitted by means of objects, such as plant thorns or shears.

DISEASE IN ANIMALS:

Circumscribed areas of alopecia, elevated crusty papillomatous lesions, and exudative dermatitis. Owl monkeys may have relapsing Dermatophilosis after apparently appropriate antibiotic regimens. Therefore organism may persist on pelage of animals after resolution of lesions. In cats, the lesions differ from those of other domestic animals by affecting deeper tissues. In cats, granulomatous lesions have been found on the tongue, bladder, and popliteal lymph nodes.

DISEASE IN MAN:

Pustular desquamative dermatitis.

DIAGNOSIS:

Microscopic exam of stained material from lesions and culture.

PREVENTION\CONTROL:

1. Treatment with antibiotics 2. Isolate affected animals 3. Protective clothing, gloves, personal hygiene 4. Tick control.