Dermatophilosis in the marble lizard (Calotes mystaceus)

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Dermatology
• Microbiology
• Herpetology

Background:

• Dermatophilus congolensis is a Gram-positive bacterium known to cause skin infections in various animal species.
• Cutaneous nodular diseases in reptiles can have diverse etiologies, requiring accurate diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the causative agent of hyperkeratotic nodules in marble lizards.
• To assess the pathogenicity and transmissibility of the isolated Dermatophilus congolensis in experimental models.

Main Methods:

• Isolation and identification of bacteria from skin lesions of affected marble lizards.
• Experimental inoculation of Dermatophilus congolensis isolates into healthy marble lizards and Spb:(SW)BR mice.
• Evaluation of clinical signs and lesion development post-inoculation.

Main Results:

• Dermatophilus congolensis was successfully isolated from hyperkeratotic nodules in two marble lizards.
• The isolated organism exhibited characteristics similar to known mammalian pathogenic strains.
• Experimental transmission was confirmed in both marble lizards and Spb:(SW)BR mice via subcutaneous inoculation and scarification routes.

Conclusions:

• Dermatophilus congolensis can cause cutaneous hyperkeratotic nodules in marble lizards.
• The isolate demonstrated pathogenicity and transmissibility to both reptilian and mammalian hosts.
• This finding underscores the potential for Dermatophilus congolensis to act as a zoonotic agent, necessitating further investigation.