Researchers in France and Spain have identified clusters of a rare skin infection that typically affects livestock. The affected individuals are men who have sex with men (MSM) — without known contact with infected animals. Reports in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases describe smaller clusters in Barcelona and Lyon. Some of the French cases are also linked to Paris and other cities. Cases have since been reported in Germany, the researchers said in interviews.
The illness, dermatophilosis, is caused by the bacterium Dermatophilus congolensis. It normally affects animals — especially horses and cattle — in damp, cool seasons — and is rare in humans.
Many of those affected, the researchers noted, had previously spent time in saunas. Transmission there could occur more rapidly, as the humid conditions may facilitate the release and survival of infectious Dermatophilus spores in the environment, the Spanish team explained. The incubation period is estimated at three to fourteen days.
These clusters echo the mpox outbreak in 2022, which was also initially observed among gay and bisexual men with multiple sexual partners (TheColu.mn reported). However, dermatophilosis appears to be significantly milder based on current knowledge.
Symptom: Skin Rash
A typical symptom is a skin rash: the lesions appear mainly on body parts exposed during sex. All known cases to date have been mild. The infection either resolved on its own or could be successfully treated with antibiotics. The bacterium is susceptible to several antibiotics.
Experts note that preexisting conditions could potentially worsen the course — similar to infections in animals. Some of the men diagnosed with the infection lived with HIV or were on PrEP. Several also had other sexually transmitted infections. In addition, some reported engaging in chemsex.
There is concern that further spread could complicate the diagnosis of other infections — particularly mpox — because the symptoms resemble each other. Nevertheless, other experts believe this is manageable if healthcare workers are properly trained.
Health authorities emphasize the importance of training healthcare workers to recognize unusual or emerging infections in sexual health. For unclear skin changes, appropriate testing should be performed. In addition, professionals recommend maintaining good hygiene, especially in facilities like saunas.
