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Experimental dermatophilosis
J Bucek1, L Pospísil, M Moster
1Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, CSFR.
Abstract:
The histopathologic features of an experimental dermatophilosis of rabbit skin were described. The strain of Dermatophilus congolensis used for the experimental infection was obtained from the unique isolation and cultivation of this actinomycete from the ulcerous leg lesion of one male patient. Further strains in experiment came from the collections of type cultures. The experimental infection was characterized as an exudative and crustal dermatitis with acanthosis and subcorneal abscesses. Branching hyphae and clusters of coccoid bodies were found mostly in the parakeratotic layer and infrequently in the abscesses. Both the coccoid bodies and the hyphae were Gram-positive. The hyphae were acid-fast but the coccoid bodies were non-acid-fast. The fine structure of hyphae and coccoid bodies, namely of those with flagella, was also described by means of a transmission and scanning electron microscope.
Insights
This study details experimental dermatophilosis in rabbit skin, revealing exudative dermatitis with specific histopathologic features. Findings highlight the characteristics of Dermatophilus congolensis infections in animal models.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Dermatology
- Microbiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Dermatophilosis is a bacterial skin disease caused by Dermatophilus congolensis.
- Understanding the histopathologic features of experimental infections is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the histopathologic features of experimental dermatophilosis in rabbit skin.
- To characterize the morphology and staining properties of Dermatophilus congolensis in infected tissues.
Main Methods:
- Experimental infection of rabbit skin with Dermatophilus congolensis.
- Histopathologic examination of infected skin tissues.
- Gram staining and acid-fast staining.
- Transmission and scanning electron microscopy for fine structure analysis.
Main Results:
- Experimental infection resulted in exudative and crustal dermatitis with acanthosis and subcorneal abscesses.
- Branching hyphae and coccoid bodies of Dermatophilus congolensis were observed, primarily in the parakeratotic layer and abscesses.
- Hyphae were Gram-positive and acid-fast, while coccoid bodies were Gram-positive and non-acid-fast.
- Electron microscopy revealed the fine structure of hyphae and flagellated coccoid bodies.
Conclusions:
- The study provides a detailed histopathologic description of experimental dermatophilosis in rabbits.
- Dermatophilus congolensis exhibits distinct morphologic and staining characteristics in vivo.
- Electron microscopy offers insights into the ultrastructure of the bacterium during infection.