Is infection by Dermatophilus congolensis underdiagnosed?

Abstract

Dermatophilus congolensis, which affects animal species, is an uncommon human infection. Few cases, mainly in tropical areas, have been reported. We describe the first human infection in Spain in a traveler returning from Central America. Diagnosis of human infection may be underestimated in people in contact with animals.

FIG. 1.

Gram stain with characteristic branching filaments with “train track” form or hypha-like chains that released sporangium Gram-positive cells (magnification, ×1,000).

FIG. 2.

Beta-hemolytic colonies after 2 days of incubation at 37°C on blood agar medium, with pleomorphic appearance in pulvinate, umbonate, or cake crumb-like form.