Dermatophilus congolensis chronic nodular disease in man.

Abstract

Dermatophilus congolensis is a common infectious agent among animals. However, infectivity in man has only rarely been observed. We report the association of D. congolensis with a chronic nodular disease in an 8-year-old boy. The time of exposure to the organism was unknown but may have occurred in utero. Testing of the immunologic system reveals a deficiency of B-lymphocytes bearing Fc receptors as well as impairment of lymphokine production. It is possible that an immunologic deficiency has permitted a chronic infestation with D. congolensis in a manner similar to that described for some cases of chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis.