DERMATOPHILUS

Question 1

Describe the morphology of Dermatophilus.

Answer 1

• Gram +
• Forms a branching, filamentous, segmenting rod.
• Aerobic
• Motile
• Non-spore forming
• Non acid fast

Question 2

Describe the pathogenicity of Dermatophilus.

Answer 2

• Infection in superficial layers of skin characterized by formation of crusts or scabs varying in size from quite small to about 2.5 cm
• Severe form of disease has been responsible for deaths of calves, sheep, and goats

Question 3

Mycotic dermatitis is the disease induced by Dermatophilus in sheep. What are its three forms?

Answer 3

1. Dermatitis of wool-covered areas
2. Dermatitis of face and scrotum
3. Dermatitis of lower leg and foot (Strawberry foot rot)

Question 4

Describe the morphology of Dermattophilus.

Answer 4

• Greyish/white colonies appears w/ in 24-48 hrs
• Fimbriated, lacelike borders
• Possess polar flagella that can be seen in wet mounts

— Grows well on blood agar, tryptose agar, and other media

Question 5

What are the treatment and control methods of Dermatophilus?

Answer 5

• Large dose of combined penicillin and streptomycin
• Tetracycline and Chloramphenicol
• Removal of scabs with brush and mild soaps should be done before application of iodine compounds.