Research on dermatophilosis in Africa

Direction of research on dermatophilosis, where such direction exists in Africa may lie with the Ministry of Agriculture as in Ghana or Ministry of Science and Technology as in the Cameroon or a special agency as in Nigeria. In the majority of countries on the continent no such direction exists. Research is carried out at one or a combination of specialised laboratories; in university laboratories, at veterinary laboratories of the Ministry of Agriculture or Ministry of Science and Technology. Though research is ongoing on as large a number of topics as possible there is the need to focus on certain key areas in an effort to find solutions to the control and prevention of the disease in the quickest possible time. This should include finding a cheap but cost effective means for its control and prevention. Due to limited resources in manpower, finance, equipment, chemicals and reagents, collaborative efforts both within the region and with outside agencies are called for. The time is now to have a regional research centre dedicated to research on the disease.