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Clinical and therapeutic studies on dermatophilosis of sheep and goats in

Qassim, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

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 Assiut Vet. Med. J. Vol. 61 No. 147 October

CLINICAL AND THERAPEUTIC STUDIES ON DERMATOPHILOSIS OF SHEEP AND

GOATS IN QUASSIM, KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA

SALAMA A. OSMAN 1, 2
1
Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, 51452 Buraydah,
Qassim, Saudi Arabia.
2
Animal Medicine Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, 33516, Kafrelsheikh-Egypt.

Email: salama2068@yahoo.com. Assiut University web-site: www.aun.edu.eg

ABSTRACT

Received at: 25/8/2015 This study was conducted in Qassim region, central of Saudi Arabia to study the
clinical signs associated with dermatophilosis in sheep and goats with therapeutic
Accepted: 6/9/2015 trials using two treatment regimes. Diagnosis of dermatophilosis was based on the
appearance of the characteristic skin lesions on the affected animals and
demonstrating the causal organism from the lesions beneath the scabs. Clinically,
the examined diseased sheep and goats showed lesions in the form of exudative
dermatitis and formation of thick greasy scabs. These lesions were mainly observed
on the back of the infected animals. All cases were detected during November,
December and January (2013 and 2014). Treatment of the infected animals using
long acting oxytetracycline, 3 doses 3 days apart gave the same results as penicillin
plus streptomycin administered for five consecutive days. From the technical point
of view, it is recommend that long acting oxytetracycline, 3 doses 3 days apart are
less demanding than penicillin plus streptomycin for five consecutive days.

Key words: Sheep; Goats, Dermatophilosis, Signs, Treatment.

INTRODUCTION (Dalis et al., 2007) with losses of body condition

(Wilkinson, 1979) are the major economic losses
associated with dermatophilosis. Moreover, the
Dermatophilosis is an acute, subacute or disease plays a role in public health and can be
chronic skin disease affecting primarily in cattle, transmitted to human (Harman et al., 2001; Burd et
small ruminants, equidae, humans and certain non- al., 2007; Dalis et al., 2010 and Dickson et al., 2010).
domesticated species. It is caused by a gram positive The aims of the present study were to study the
bacteria of the order of the Actinomycetales named clinical signs of Dermatophilosis in sheep and goats
Dermatophilus congolensis (D. congolensis). located in Quassim, Saudi Arabia.and therapeutic
(Dickson et al., 2010). The disease is non-pruritic, trials of infected cases.
and is characterized by exudative, proliferative or
hyperkeratotic dermatitis, accompanied by the
production of crusts and foliculitis (Zaria, 1993). MATERIALS and METHODS
Several factors are involved in the pathogenesis of
dermatophilosis; among them are mechanical injury Animals and samples collection:
to the skin, rainfall, tick infestation, concurrent In Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Qassim University,
diseases and/or stresses that compromise the host’s Central of Saudi Arabia, 20 cases of D. congolensis
immune system (Yeruham et al., 1995; Amabrose, —infected animals (10 sheep and 10 goats) were
1996). studied. They were come from different localities and
are reared in flocks. Heavy scabs were collected in
Diagnosis of dermatophilosis is mainly based on the clean sterile petri-dishes for microscopic detection
appearance of the characteristic skin lesions and and isolation of D. congolensis. Parasitological and
confirmed by the demonstration of the causal mycological examinations were also carried out for
organism from the lesions beneath the scabs the collected samples.
(Gebreyohannes and Gebresselassie, 2013). From
economic point of view, Poor quality hides Clinical examination:
(Woldemeskel, 2000 and Norris et al., 2010), low All animals under study were subjected to careful
meat production and decrease in milk production clinical examination.

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Assiut Vet. Med. J. Vol. 61 No. 147 October

Skin scraping for parasitological examination: Bioagripharm, Germany) two times, one week apart
Deep skin scrapings were collected from the edges of for the environment.
suspected active lesions of the affected skin was
carried as described by Fowler (2010). RESULTS

Mycological examination: The results of parasitological and mycological

The scraped materials were divided into two parts; examination of the examined skin scraping revealed
the first was subjected to direct microscopic no mites or derrmatophytes. Also culturing on SDA
examination for detection of dermatophytes spp. and media did not yield any fungal growth.
the second for culture on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar
Media (SDA) supplemented by chloramphenicol and Bacteriologically, the characteristic colonies of D.
cycloheximide. The media kept at 27oC for 3 - 4 congolensis was monitored post 24–48 hrs incubation
weeks (Quinn et al., 1994). as small, grey-yellow colour adhered to the surface of
the agar. Three—days incubation, the colonies tend to
Bacteriological Examination for detection of become more wrinkled and the yellow pigmentation
Dermatophilus congolensis: more intense. A zone of beta-hemolysis was observed
1 - Impression smears: Multiple impression smears around each colony. D. congolensis (Figure 1) had a
were taken, prepared and stained by Giemsa stains characteristic microscopic appearance where it seen
and microscopically examined (Quinn et al., 1994; as septate, branching filamentous hyphae become
OIE 2004). longitudinally, as well as transversely, divided to
2- Culturing of D. congolensis: It was collected form spherical cocci in multiple rows.
samples were culturally on sheep blood agar using the
procedures described by Haalstra (1965) and OIE The observed clinical signs of diseased sheep and
(2004). goats were illustrated in Figure 2a and 2b. The lesions
may be localized or generalized according to the
Therapeutic trials: stage of the disease. Localized lesions mainly seen
Diseased animals were divided into two main groups along the back of the animal from the withers to the
each of 5 sheep and 5 goats. The first group was rump and extend to the midlateral aspect. The lesions
treated using long acting oxytetracycline (Terramycin were in the form of exudative dermatitis and scabs
/LA®, Pfizer) 3 doses 3 days apart as deep formation. Wool or hairs were matted to each other to
intramuscular injection (1 ml/ 10 Kg B.W), each 1 form paint brush appearance. Removal of these
ml. contains 200 mg oxytetracycline. Topical matted wool in the early stage of the disease revealed
application of Povidone iodine 5% W/V (Iodosav severe pain leaving bleed area beneath it but later and
spray, Saudi Pharmaceutical Industries) was sprayed in old lesion, the wool were easily removed without
daily for 10 days. The second group was treated using pain. In generalized shin affection, the body condition
penicillin-streptomycin (Pen & Strep/ NorBrook Co.) of the animal was affected. All infected cases were
administered by deep intramuscular once daily for 5 occurred during November, December and January.
consecutive days at doses of 8 mg procaine penicillin
and 10 mg dihydrostreptomycin sulphate per kg Concerning the efficacy of the therapeutic trials
bodyweight achieved by administering 1ml Pen & (Table 1), treatment using long acting oxytetracycline
Strep per 25kg bodyweight. Topical treatment was in addition to topical application of povidone iodine
also sprayed as described. Heavy crusts were 5% gave the same cure rate as treatment using
aseptically removed before treatment in both groups. penicillin- streptomycin in addition to the same
Treated animals were moved to dry place. Ticks topical application. Clinical and bacteriological cures
control was done in all groups and their environment were achieved at the 4th week post treatment
using 200 µg /Kg BW Ivermectin (Ivomec, Merial) representing a 100% cure rate in both groups.
two subcutaneous injections, 15 days apart for the
animals and 1/1000 Diazinon (Nucedol Ultra 60 EC,

Table 1: Results of the treatment trials in the examined diseased animals

Treated No. No. of cured animals at week (w) Total No. of the Cure (%)
group treated cured cases
animals
1st (w) 2nd (w) 3rd (w) 4th (w)

First 10 1 4 2 3 10 100
Second 10 0 4 4 2 10 100

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 Assiut Vet. Med. J. Vol. 61 No. 147 October

Fig. 1: Giemsa stained direct smear showing branched septated hyphae (The arrow) and zoospores of
Dermatophilus congolensis (X 1000).

2a 2b

Fig. 2a (Goat) and 2b (sheep): Cutaneous lesions: remarkable exudative dermatitis with crusty wrinkled
fissured skin lesion on head including ears (sheep) and dorsal view of goat particularly neck

DISCUSSION epidermal cells (Seifert, 1992). Drying of the serous

exudate forms a crust that is a distinguishing
In this study neither mites nor derrmatophytes spp. characteristic of this disease.
were detected in the examined skin scraping of
diseased animals. Also culturing on SDA media did From epidemiological point of view, the development
not yield any fungal growth. Whereas, D. congolensis of dermatophilosis is facilitated by factors such as
was detected in direct smears and identified via wetting and mechanical trauma of the skin by
culturing on sheep blood agar with 10% CO2 ectoparasites that reduce the defence barriers of skin
atmosphere. Similar colonial and microscopical (Zaria, 1993; Ambrose et al., 1999). In the present
characters were previously observed by Masters et al. study, all cases of the disease were observed during
(1997), Rapuntean and Rapuntean (2005), and Awad November, December and January months. This
et al. (2008). finding may be attributed to the heavy rains in
Qassim region during this period. Similar results were
The observed clinical signs of diseased animals were previously reported by Zaria (1993) who mentioned
exudative dermatitis and formation of thick greasy that in the rainy season due to devitalizing effects of
scabs. Similar lesions were observed previously by saturation on skin barriers, humidity has a remarkable
Gitao (1993), and Awad et al. (2008). In the influence in the maturation and motility of the
epidermis, the bacterial hyphae that developed from infective zoospores and weather generally exerts
the spores attack the hair sheath and produce an complex biological effects on the prevalence and
exudative inflammatory reaction, resulting in a activity of the arthropod vectors. Also, the hyphae
bulging of the slow growing epidermis away from the produce motile spores (zoospores) that are
corium, thereby allowing growth of a new layer of predominantly released during the rainy season and

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Assiut Vet. Med. J. Vol. 61 No. 147 October

are transmitted either by direct contact or by vectors ovine and equine dermatophilosis. J. Appl.
(ticks, flies). Sci. Res., 4: 367-374.
Burd, E.M.; Juzych, L.A.; Rudrik, J.T. and Habib, F.
Therapeutically, treatment of the infected animals (2007): Pustular dermatitis caused by
using long acting oxytetracycline was not differed Dermatophilus congolensis. J. Clin.
significantly from treatment using penicillin- Microbiol., 45: 1655-1658.
streptomycin. Clinical and bacteriological cures were Dalis, J.S.; Kazeem, H.M.; Makinde, A.A. and Fatihu,
achieved at the 4th week post treatment representing M.Y. (2007): Agalactia due to severe
a 100% cure rate in both groups. Previously, generalized dermatophilosis in a white Fulan
Ilemobade (1984), Aning and Koney (1996), Awad et cow in Zaria, Nigeria. VJVS, 1: 56-58.
al. (2008), Nath et al. (2010) and Gebreyohannes and Dalis, J.S.; Kazzem, H.M.; Makinde, A.A. and Fatihu,
Gebresselassie (2013) reported the efficacy of long M.Y. (2010): Bacteria associated with
acting oxytetracyclines in the treatment of animal Bovine Dermatophilosis in Zaria, Nigeria.
dermatophilosis. Also Gbodi and Ndife (1982), Afr. J. Microbiol., 4: 1475-1476.
Rosyehuk (1989), Yeruham et al. (1995), Reed et al. Dickson, C.; Rosa, M. and Elías-Costa, D. (2010):
(2004) and Aitken (2007) proved the efficacy of Human and animal dermatophilosis. An
penicillin in the treatment of animal dermatophilosis. unusual case report and review of the
literature. Dermatol. Argent., 16: 349-353
Gebreyohannes and Gebresselassie (2013) mentioned Fowler, M.E. (2010): Medicine and Surgery of
that the topical treatment had limited efficacy in the Camelids 3rd Edition. Blackwell Publishing.
treatment where these application did not penetrate Gbodi, T.A. and Ndife, L. (1982): Some observations
the scab to the active lesion and were more on chemotherapy of bovine dermatophilosis.
appropriate for control. Also Dickson et al. (2010) Br. Vet. J., 138(4): 288-94.
reported that the application of topical antiseptics was Gebreyohannes, M. and Gebresselassie, M. (2013):
of questionable value because the drug had no action An Overview on Dermatophilosis of
on the hyphae found inside woolly follicles; Animals: a Review. J. Anim. Sci. Adv., 3:
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goats showed lesions in the form of exudative congolensis from skin lesions in the
dermatitis and formation of thick greasy scabs. diagnosis of streptothricosis. Vet. Rec., 77:
Treatment using long acting oxytetracycline, 3 doses 824-834.
3 days apart or penicillin–streptomycin for 5 days and Harman, M.S.; Sekin, S. and Akdeniz, S. (2001):
keep treated animals in dry place gave 100% cure rate Human dermatophilosis mimicking
after 4 weeks. There were no differences between two ringworm. Brit. J. Derm., 145: 170-1.
drugs. From the technical point of view, it is Ilemobade, A.A. (1984): Clinical experiences in the
recommend that long acting oxytetracycline, 3 doses use of chemotherapy of bovine
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‫ الوولكة العربية السعودية‬- ‫دراسات إكلينيكية وعالجية عي داء الوجتلدات فى األغنام والواعز بالقصين‬

‫سالهة أحود عثواى‬

Email: salama2068@yahoo.com. Assiut University web-site: www.aun.edu.eg

‫تم إجراء هذه ادرراةذب نطقة ذب اد ذام نلدططالذب اد رناذب ادةذ رراب درراةذب ادجراقذك ا لااقالاذب ادطت ا ذب نذراء ادطجتاذرا ذ ا قذلم‬
‫ تم تشذيا هذها ادطذرض عذي ةراذق ا عذراض ا لااقالاذب ادططاذزة داطذرض‬.‫رادطلعز نل ضل ب إد ت اام لفلءة ن ض ةرق اد الج‬
‫ادطراضذب نتهذرر ادتهلنذل جاراذب ط ذارنب ند ذل جاراذب رهقاذب‬ ‫ تطاذز اداذل‬.‫تزاطقل طع ادلشف عذي رجذرر ادطالذررك ادطةذنك‬
‫ادطرضاب يالل أشهرقر طنر‬ ‫ للي تهرر ط تم ادال‬.‫ةطالب درات اشلل رئاة عا ادجزء ادياف طي ادااراقل ادط لنب‬
‫ أعة ع لر ا رلةذ تتراةذالااي ةراذل ادطف ذرل قفذل ادلفذلءة ادتذ أعةلهذل ع ذلر ادنقةذااي را ةترنترطاةذاي ذ‬.‫رراةطنر راقلار‬
‫تاتراةالااي ةراذل ادطف ذرل د اذب عذرر ادجرعذل رنلدتذلدي عذرر أاذلم‬-‫ طي ادطةتاةي أةتيرام أرلةي‬،‫ ت قال‬.‫عالج ادااراقل ادطراضب‬
‫اد الج‬

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