Development of a real-time SYBR Green PCR assay for the rapid detection of Dermatophilus congolensis

Methods such as real time (RT)-PCR have not been developed for the rapid detection and diagnosis of Dermatophilus (D.) congolensis infection. In the present study, a D. congolensis-specific SYBR Green RT-PCR assay was evaluated. The detection limit of the RT-PCR assay was 1 pg of DNA per PCR reaction. No cross-reaction with nucleic acids extracted from Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Staphylococcus aureus, or Austwickia chelonae was observed. Finally, the RT-PCR assay was used to evaluate clinical samples collected from naturally infected animals with D. congolensis. The results showed that this assay is a fast and reliable method for diagnosing dermatophilosis.

Dermatofilosis humana y animal. Presentación de un caso atípico y revisión de la literatura / Human and animal dermatophilosis. An unusual case report and review of the literature

La dermatofilosis es una infección causada por una bacteria Gram positiva perteneciente al orden de los Actinomycetales, llamada Dermatophilus congolensis. Se presenta como una dermatosis de carácter agudo, subagudo o crónico que afecta preferentemente al ganado pero también a una amplia variedad de animales domésticos y salvajes y al hombre. Tiene distribución universal, pero con mayor prevalencia en climas húmedos, tropicales y subtropicales. Es considerada una zoonosis menor que puede causar grandes perjuicios económicos en la industria del ganado y el cuero. Se realiza una revisión del tema junto con la presentación de un caso clínico sumamente atípico.

Dermatophilosis is an acute, subacute or chronic skin disease affecting a wide range of species of animals and man. It is caused by a Gram (+) bacteria of the order of the Actinomycetales named Dermatophilus congolensis. Presenting as an acute, subacute or chronic dermatosis affecting primarily cattle, but a wide variety of domestic and wild animals, and humans, as well. It is distributed worldwide but more prevalent in the humid tropical and subtropic areas. It is essential to emphasize the importance of this disease in livestock industry and leather production. The disease is reviewed and an unusual case is reported.