Dermatophilus congolensis infection (Dermatophilosis) in animals and man! An update.

Dermatophilus congolensis infection (dermatophilosis) is an acute, subacute or chronic skin disease affecting a wide range of species of animals and man. It is world widely distributed but more prevalent in the humid, tropics and subtropics. The disease is now being reviewed in detail. In the present review, the geographical distribution, history and nomenclature, animal hosts affected, aetiological agent and clinical signs of the disease are discussed extensively. Emphasis is also given on the predisposing factors such as rainfall, humidity, ectoparasites etc. under epizootiology. Pathogenesis, pathology, immunology treatment, control and prophylaxis are other areas well covered. The economic importance of the disease is also stressed and a new approach (biological approach) to treatment and control of the disease is being described in this review. It was concluded that in view of the importance of the disease for the increase of livestock and leather production in the tropical and subtropical region especially in Africa, an international centre for dermatophilosis research is highly needed.