Dermatitis Caused by Dermatophilus congolensis in a Zoo Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus)

Dermatophilosis caused by Dermatophilus congolensis has a wide host range, including cattle, horses, camels, and bears. The present case was characterized by severe exudative dermatitis with thick scab formation on the face and whole body of a polar bear in Seoul Zoo, Korea. For diagnosis, fresh crusts from the face were minced with several drops of normal saline, smeared on a glass slide, stained with Diff-Quick (R) and examined microscopically. Dermatophilus congolensis organisms were observed as several parallel rows of gram-positive cocci resembling railroad tracks. Recovery was dramatic with intramuscular procaine penicillin therapy. Bathing in warm, salty water was effective to soften the skin lesions and remove the debris. (C) 2014 PVJ. All rights reserved