Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Atypical Dermatophilus congolensis infection in a three-year-old pony.
- Journal:
- Journal of veterinary diagnostic investigation : official publication of the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, Inc
- Year:
- 2010
- Authors:
- Byrne, Barbara A et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Pathology · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A three-year-old pony filly was taken to the vet because her lymph nodes under her jaw had been getting bigger over the past ten months. After examining her, the vet did a biopsy, which showed inflammation and the presence of certain bacteria. These bacteria were identified as Dermatophilus congolensis, which can cause skin infections. This case suggests that this type of bacteria should be considered when a pony has swollen lymph nodes and inflammation. The treatment details weren't provided, but the identification of the bacteria helps guide further care.
Abstract
Dermatophilosis caused by Dermatophilus congolensis causes exudative dermatitis in a variety of species. The infection is generally limited to the cutaneous tissues, where infection is acquired from the environment and bacteria penetrate into keratinized epithelium through epithelial disruption. A 3-year-old pony filly was examined for enlarging mandibular lymph nodes during the preceding 10 months. Biopsy of the node revealed mixed and granulomatous inflammation and thick, filamentous Gram-positive bacteria. Dermatophilus congolensis, confirmed by biochemical testing and sequencing of the ribosomal RNA gene, was cultured from a sample aspirated from the infected site. Dermatophilus congolensis should be considered as a possible etiologic agent associated with lymphadenopathy and granulomatous inflammation in the horse.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20093705/