Diagnosis of Dermatophilus dermatitis among buffaloes in Kerala

Abstract

The present study reports prevalence of dermatophilosis due to Dermatophilus congolensis among buffaloes in Kerala. Five buffaloes presented with skin lesions primarily on the lower limbs, udder and tail were subjected to detailed investigations to identify the etiological factors. Skin swabs and scabs were collected from the lesions under sterile conditions and were subjected to direct microscopical and cultural examinations. Direct microscopical examination of Giemsa and Gram’s stained smears of scabs revealed typical tram track appearance of Dermatophilus congolensis. Culture of skin scabs in sheep blood agar yielded typical greyish beta haemolytic adherent colonies. The isolates were further confirmed by morphological appearance and biochemical reactions. Direct microscopical examination of skin scrapings yielded negative results for fungal elements and mites. This forms the preliminary report of dermatophilosis among buffaloes in Kerala.