Criptococose respiratória e cutânea em gato de vida livre da cidade de Sobral/CE / Respiratory and cutaneous Cryptococcosis in a free-range cat in the city of Sobral/CE

A criptococose é uma doença infecciosa sistêmica de origem fúngica, causada pelas espécies: Cryptococcus neoformans e Cryptococcus gattii. É considerada uma micose oportunista capaz de infectar mamíferos domésticos, animais silvestres e seres humanos, sendo classificada como uma doença zoonótica. Esse patógeno é encontrado principalmente em ambientes contaminados por fezes de pombos (Columba livia), que atuam como importantes fontes de infecção do fungo. De acordo com sua disseminação para os tecidos do organismo, a doença pode causar diferentes síndromes tanto em seres humanos como em animais síndrome respiratória, síndrome neurológica, síndrome ocular e síndrome cutânea. O diagnóstico pode ser realizado através da pesquisa de antígeno polissacarídeo circulante no soro ou líquor, por meio da prova de látex. Testes imunoenzimáticos (ELISA) também podem ser realizados para detecção de antígenos dessa levedura. Exame citológico, histopatológico e cultura fúngica para a identificação do agente tornam o diagnóstico da criptococose mais fácil. O tratamento é baseado no uso de antifúngicos e sua escolha é realizada através da avaliação dos sinais clínicos observados. Diante do exposto, o objetivo deste trabalho é relatar um caso de criptococose respiratória e cutânea em felino doméstico de vida livre da cidade de Sobral/CE.

Cryptococcosis is a systemic infectious disease of fungal origin caused by the species: Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii. It is considered an opportunistic mycosis capable of infecting domestic mammals, wild animals, and humans, being classified as a zoonotic disease. This pathogen is mainly found mainly in environments contaminated by pigeon (Columba livia) feces, which act as important sources of fungal infection. According to its spread to the body's tissues, the disease can cause different syndromes in both humans and animals: respiratory syndrome, neurological syndrome, ocular syndrome, and cutaneous syndrome. The diagnosis can be made through the investigation of circulating polysaccharide antigen in serum or cerebrospinal fluid using the latex test. Immunoenzymatic tests (ELISA) can also be performed to detect yeast antigens. Cytological examination, histopathological examination, and fungal culture to identify the agent make the diagnosis of cryptococcosis easier. The treatment is based on the use of antifungals, and its choice is made through the evaluation of the observed clinical signs. In this context, this work aims to report a case of respiratory and cutaneous cryptococcosis in a free-range domestic cat in the city of Sobral/CE.

Rinoscopia como auxiliar no diagnóstico de criptococose felina: Relato de caso / Rhinoscopy as aid in the diagnosis of feline cryptococosis: case report

Criptococose é uma micose sistêmica não contagiosa que acomete, principalmente, felinos. O agente etiológico é uma levedura do gênero Cryptococcus sp., e a sua transmissão ocorre por via aerógena, com a inalação dos esporos que se alojam, principalmente, na cavidade nasal e pulmão. A forma nasal é a mais comum em felinos e as suas manifestações clínicas incluem edema nasofacial, eritema e secreção nasal. O diagnóstico pode ser realizado por meio de cultivo micológico, citologia, histologia e reação em cadeia polimerase. Neste artigo, é apresentado o relato de caso de um felino diagnosticado com criptococose, no qual o diagnóstico de triagem foi realizado por meio de rinoscopia. No atendimento inicial, o animal apresentava hiporexia, reflexo de deglutição constante, engasgos, odor acentuado em região nasal e crepitações pulmonares com evolução de três meses. O diagnóstico foi realizado com o emprego de rinoscopia, que identificou massa interna na região da mucosa nasofaríngea, com posterior biópsia e exame anatomopatológico. Após a confirmação diagnóstica, o paciente foi medicado com itraconazol 10 mg/kg SID, por 5 meses, e teve a resolução de todos os sinais clínicos apresentados. A criptococose deve ser considerada como diagnóstico, diferencial de alterações do sistema respiratório em felinos e a rinoscopia pode ser um recurso diagnóstico importante para auxiliar na conclusão e reconhecimento da enfermidade.(AU)

Cryptococcosis is a non-contagious systemic mycosis that primarily affects felines. Its etiological agent is a yeast of the genus Cryptococcus sp., and its transmission occurs through the air, by inhalation of spores that primarily lodge in the nasal cavity and lungs. The nasal form is the most common in felines and clinical manifestations include nasofacial edema, erythema and nasal discharge. Diagnosis can be made by means of mycological culture, cytology, histology and polymerase chain reaction. This article presents a case of a feline diagnosed with cryptococcosis, in which the screening diagnosis was performed by means of rhinoscopy. In the initial care, the animal presented hyporexia, constant swallowing reflex, choking, accentuated odor in the nasal region and pulmonary crackles with evolution of three months. The diagnosis was made using rhinoscopy, which identified an internal mass in the nasopharyngeal mucosa, and subsequent biopsy and anatomopathological examination. After diagnostic confirmation, the patient was medicated with itraconazole 10 mg/kg SID for 5 months and had resolution of all clinical signs presented. Cryptococcosis should be considered as a differential diagnosis of alterations in the respiratory system in cats and rhinoscopy can be an important diagnostic tool to assist in the conclusion and recognition of this disease.(AU)

Diversity of fungi obtained from bats captured in urban forest fragments in Sinop, Mato Grosso, Brazil / Diversidade de fungos em morcegos de fragmentos florestais urbanos de Sinop, Mato Grosso, Brasil

Bats are important for the homeostasis of ecosystems and serve as hosts of various microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, and fungi with pathogenic potential. This study aimed to isolate fungi from biological samples obtained from bats captured in the city of Sinop (state of Mato Grosso, Brazil), where large areas of deforestation exist due to urbanization and agriculture. On the basis of the flow of people and domestic animals, 48 bats were captured in eleven urban forest fragments. The samples were processed and submitted to microbiological cultures, to isolate and to identify the fungal genera. Thirty-four (70.83%) of the captured bats were positive for fungi; 18 (37.5%) and 16 (33.33%) of these bats were female and male, respectively. Penicillium sp., Scopulariopsis sp., Fusarium sp., Aspergillus sp., Alternaria sp., Cryptococcus sp., Trichosporon sp., and Candida sp., which may cause opportunistic infections, were isolated. The bat species with the highest number of fungal isolates was Molossus molossus: 21 isolates (43.8%). According to our results, bats captured in urban forest fragments in Sinop harbor pathogenic fungi, increasing the risk of opportunistic fungal infections in humans and domestic animals.

Os morcegos apresentam grande importância na homeostasia dos ecossistemas e são hospedeiros de uma rica diversidade de micro-organismos como bactérias, vírus e fungos com potencial patogênico. Portanto, este estudo visou isolar fungos presentes em amostras biológicas de morcegos na cidade de Sinop - MT, que possui grandes áreas de desmatamento devido à urbanização e agricultura. Foram capturados 48 morcegos de diferentes espécies, em onze fragmentos florestais urbanos definidos de acordo com fluxo de pessoas e animais domésticos, para obtenção de amostras biológicas. Essas amostras foram processadas e submetidas aos cultivos microbiológicos, para isolamento e identificação dos gêneros dos fungos. Dos 48 morcegos, 34 (70,83%) foram positivos para pelos menos um gênero de fungo, sendo 18 (37,5%) fêmeas e 16 (33,33%) machos, e os gêneros isolados a partir das amostras biológicas foram Penicillium sp., Scopulariopsis sp., Fusarium sp., Aspergillus sp., Alternaria sp., Cryptococcus sp., Trichosporon sp. e Candida sp., que podem ser causadores de infecções oportunistas. Desse total, a espécie que apresentou maior positividade para pelo menos um gênero de fungo foi Molossus molossus com 21 (43,8%). Nossos resultados demonstram que os morcegos capturados nos fragmentos florestais urbanos na cidade de Sinop - MT, podem atuar como agentes veiculadores de fungos com potencial patogênico, aumentando assim o risco de exposição e aquisição de infecções fúngicas oportunistas por pessoas e animais domésticos.

Diversity of fungi obtained from bats captured in urban forest fragments in Sinop, Mato Grosso, Brazil / Diversidade de fungos em morcegos de fragmentos florestais urbanos de Sinop, Mato Grosso, Brasil

Bats are important for the homeostasis of ecosystems and serve as hosts of various microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, and fungi with pathogenic potential. This study aimed to isolate fungi from biological samples obtained from bats captured in the city of Sinop (state of Mato Grosso, Brazil), where large areas of deforestation exist due to urbanization and agriculture. On the basis of the flow of people and domestic animals, 48 bats were captured in eleven urban forest fragments. The samples were processed and submitted to microbiological cultures, to isolate and to identify the fungal genera. Thirty-four (70.83%) of the captured bats were positive for fungi; 18 (37.5%) and 16 (33.33%) of these bats were female and male, respectively. Penicillium sp., Scopulariopsis sp., Fusarium sp., Aspergillus sp., Alternaria sp., Cryptococcus sp., Trichosporon sp., and Candida sp., which may cause opportunistic infections, were isolated. The bat species with the highest number of fungal isolates was Molossus molossus: 21 isolates (43.8%). According to our results, bats captured in urban forest fragments in Sinop harbor pathogenic fungi, increasing the risk of opportunistic fungal infections in humans and domestic animals.(AU)

Os morcegos apresentam grande importância na homeostasia dos ecossistemas e são hospedeiros de uma rica diversidade de micro-organismos como bactérias, vírus e fungos com potencial patogênico. Portanto, este estudo visou isolar fungos presentes em amostras biológicas de morcegos na cidade de Sinop - MT, que possui grandes áreas de desmatamento devido à urbanização e agricultura. Foram capturados 48 morcegos de diferentes espécies, em onze fragmentos florestais urbanos definidos de acordo com fluxo de pessoas e animais domésticos, para obtenção de amostras biológicas. Essas amostras foram processadas e submetidas aos cultivos microbiológicos, para isolamento e identificação dos gêneros dos fungos. Dos 48 morcegos, 34 (70,83%) foram positivos para pelos menos um gênero de fungo, sendo 18 (37,5%) fêmeas e 16 (33,33%) machos, e os gêneros isolados a partir das amostras biológicas foram Penicillium sp., Scopulariopsis sp., Fusarium sp., Aspergillus sp., Alternaria sp., Cryptococcus sp., Trichosporon sp. e Candida sp., que podem ser causadores de infecções oportunistas. Desse total, a espécie que apresentou maior positividade para pelo menos um gênero de fungo foi Molossus molossus com 21 (43,8%). Nossos resultados demonstram que os morcegos capturados nos fragmentos florestais urbanos na cidade de Sinop - MT, podem atuar como agentes veiculadores de fungos com potencial patogênico, aumentando assim o risco de exposição e aquisição de infecções fúngicas oportunistas por pessoas e animais domésticos.(AU)

Diversity of fungi obtained from bats captured in urban forest fragments in Sinop, Mato Grosso, Brazil

Abstract Bats are important for the homeostasis of ecosystems and serve as hosts of various microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, and fungi with pathogenic potential. This study aimed to isolate fungi from biological samples obtained from bats captured in the city of Sinop (state of Mato Grosso, Brazil), where large areas of deforestation exist due to urbanization and agriculture. On the basis of the flow of people and domestic animals, 48 bats were captured in eleven urban forest fragments. The samples were processed and submitted to microbiological cultures, to isolate and to identify the fungal genera. Thirty-four (70.83%) of the captured bats were positive for fungi; 18 (37.5%) and 16 (33.33%) of these bats were female and male, respectively. Penicillium sp., Scopulariopsis sp., Fusarium sp., Aspergillus sp., Alternaria sp., Cryptococcus sp., Trichosporon sp., and Candida sp., which may cause opportunistic infections, were isolated. The bat species with the highest number of fungal isolates was Molossus molossus: 21 isolates (43.8%). According to our results, bats captured in urban forest fragments in Sinop harbor pathogenic fungi, increasing the risk of opportunistic fungal infections in humans and domestic animals.

Resumo Os morcegos apresentam grande importância na homeostasia dos ecossistemas e são hospedeiros de uma rica diversidade de micro-organismos como bactérias, vírus e fungos com potencial patogênico. Portanto, este estudo visou isolar fungos presentes em amostras biológicas de morcegos na cidade de Sinop - MT, que possui grandes áreas de desmatamento devido à urbanização e agricultura. Foram capturados 48 morcegos de diferentes espécies, em onze fragmentos florestais urbanos definidos de acordo com fluxo de pessoas e animais domésticos, para obtenção de amostras biológicas. Essas amostras foram processadas e submetidas aos cultivos microbiológicos, para isolamento e identificação dos gêneros dos fungos. Dos 48 morcegos, 34 (70,83%) foram positivos para pelos menos um gênero de fungo, sendo 18 (37,5%) fêmeas e 16 (33,33%) machos, e os gêneros isolados a partir das amostras biológicas foram Penicillium sp., Scopulariopsis sp., Fusarium sp., Aspergillus sp., Alternaria sp., Cryptococcus sp., Trichosporon sp. e Candida sp., que podem ser causadores de infecções oportunistas. Desse total, a espécie que apresentou maior positividade para pelo menos um gênero de fungo foi Molossus molossus com 21 (43,8%). Nossos resultados demonstram que os morcegos capturados nos fragmentos florestais urbanos na cidade de Sinop - MT, podem atuar como agentes veiculadores de fungos com potencial patogênico, aumentando assim o risco de exposição e aquisição de infecções fúngicas oportunistas por pessoas e animais domésticos.

Diversity of fungi obtained from bats captured in urban forest fragments in Sinop, Mato Grosso, Brazil / Diversidade de fungos em morcegos de fragmentos florestais urbanos de Sinop, Mato Grosso, Brasil

Abstract Bats are important for the homeostasis of ecosystems and serve as hosts of various microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, and fungi with pathogenic potential. This study aimed to isolate fungi from biological samples obtained from bats captured in the city of Sinop (state of Mato Grosso, Brazil), where large areas of deforestation exist due to urbanization and agriculture. On the basis of the flow of people and domestic animals, 48 bats were captured in eleven urban forest fragments. The samples were processed and submitted to microbiological cultures, to isolate and to identify the fungal genera. Thirty-four (70.83%) of the captured bats were positive for fungi; 18 (37.5%) and 16 (33.33%) of these bats were female and male, respectively. Penicillium sp., Scopulariopsis sp., Fusarium sp., Aspergillus sp., Alternaria sp., Cryptococcus sp., Trichosporon sp., and Candida sp., which may cause opportunistic infections, were isolated. The bat species with the highest number of fungal isolates was Molossus molossus: 21 isolates (43.8%). According to our results, bats captured in urban forest fragments in Sinop harbor pathogenic fungi, increasing the risk of opportunistic fungal infections in humans and domestic animals.

Resumo Os morcegos apresentam grande importância na homeostasia dos ecossistemas e são hospedeiros de uma rica diversidade de micro-organismos como bactérias, vírus e fungos com potencial patogênico. Portanto, este estudo visou isolar fungos presentes em amostras biológicas de morcegos na cidade de Sinop - MT, que possui grandes áreas de desmatamento devido à urbanização e agricultura. Foram capturados 48 morcegos de diferentes espécies, em onze fragmentos florestais urbanos definidos de acordo com fluxo de pessoas e animais domésticos, para obtenção de amostras biológicas. Essas amostras foram processadas e submetidas aos cultivos microbiológicos, para isolamento e identificação dos gêneros dos fungos. Dos 48 morcegos, 34 (70,83%) foram positivos para pelos menos um gênero de fungo, sendo 18 (37,5%) fêmeas e 16 (33,33%) machos, e os gêneros isolados a partir das amostras biológicas foram Penicillium sp., Scopulariopsis sp., Fusarium sp., Aspergillus sp., Alternaria sp., Cryptococcus sp., Trichosporon sp. e Candida sp., que podem ser causadores de infecções oportunistas. Desse total, a espécie que apresentou maior positividade para pelo menos um gênero de fungo foi Molossus molossus com 21 (43,8%). Nossos resultados demonstram que os morcegos capturados nos fragmentos florestais urbanos na cidade de Sinop - MT, podem atuar como agentes veiculadores de fungos com potencial patogênico, aumentando assim o risco de exposição e aquisição de infecções fúngicas oportunistas por pessoas e animais domésticos.

Hemolymph of triatomines presents fungistatic activity against Cryptococcus neoformans and improves macrophage function through MCP-I/TNF-α increase

Triatomines are blood-feeding arthropods belonging to the subfamily Triatominae (Hemiptera; Reduviidae), capable of producing immunomodulatory and water-soluble molecules in their hemolymph, such as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). In this work, we evaluated the antifungal and immunomodulatory activity of the hemolymph of Meccus pallidipennis (MPH) and Rhodnius prolixus (RPH) against Cryptococcus neoformans. Methods: We assessed the activity of the hemolymph of both insects on fungal growth by a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay. Further, RAW 264.7 macrophages were cultivated with hemolymph and challenged with C. neoformans. Then, their phagocytic and killing activities were assessed. The cytokines MCP-1, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-10, IL-12, and IL-6 were measured in culture supernatants 4- and 48-hours post-infection. Results: Both hemolymph samples directly affected the growth rate of the fungus in a dose-dependent manner. Either MPH or RPH was capable of inhibiting fungal growth by at least 70%, using the lowest dilution (1:20). Treatment of RAW 264.7 macrophages with hemolymph of both insects was capable of increasing the production of MCP-I and TNF-α. In addition, when these cells were stimulated with hemolymph in the presence of C. neoformans, a 2- and a 4-fold increase in phagocytic rate was observed with MPH and RPH, respectively, when compared to untreated cells. For the macrophage killing activity, MPH decreased in approximately 30% the number of viable yeasts inside the cells compared to untreated control; however, treatment with RPH could not reduce the total number of viable yeasts. MPH was also capable of increasing MHC-II expression on macrophages. Regarding the cytokine production, MCP-I and TNF-α, were increased in the supernatant of macrophages treated with both hemolymphs, 4 and 48 hours after stimulation. Conclusion: These results suggested that hemolymph of triatomines may represent a source of molecules capable of presenting antifungal and immunomodulatory activity in macrophages during fungal infection.(AU)

Antifungal activity of liriodenine on clinical strains of Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii species complexes

Background: Cryptoccocal meningitis continues to present high incidence among AIDS patients. The treatment of choice is the synergistic combination of flucytosine (5-FC) with amphotericin B deoxycholate (AmBd) or its lipid formulations. However, 5-FC is unavailable in many countries and AmB demands hospitalization. The combination of AmB with the fungistatic fluconazole (FLC) or the use of high FLC daily doses alone became the choice. Nonetheless, sterilization of cerebrospinal fluid is delayed with FLC monotherapy, mainly with high fungal burden. These findings suggest the search for new antifungal compounds, such as liriodenine. Methods: Liriodenine antifungal activity was evaluated by three procedures: determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) on 30 strains of the Cryptococcus neoformans (C. neoformans) complex and 30 of the Cryptococcus gattii (C. gattii) complex, using EUCAST methodology and amphotericin B deoxycholate as control; performing the time-kill methodology in two strains of the C. neoformans complex and one of the C. gattii complex; and injury to cryptococcal cells, evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Liriodenine absorption and safety at 0.75 and 1.50 mg.kg-1 doses were evaluated in BALB/c mice. Results: Liriodenine MICs ranged from 3.9 to 62.5 µg.mL-1 for both species complexes, with no differences between them. Time-kill methodology confirmed its concentration-dependent fungicidal effect, killing all the strains below the limit of detection (33 CFU.mL-1) at the highest liriodenine concentration (32-fold MIC), with predominant activity during the first 48 hours. Liriodenine induced severe Cryptococcus alterations ­ cytoplasm with intense rarefaction and/or degradation, injury of organelles, and presence of vacuoles. Liriodenine was better absorbed at lower doses, with no histopathological alterations on the digestive tract. Conclusion: The fungicidal activity confirmed by time-kill methodology, the intense Cryptococcus injury observed by TEM, the absorption after gavage administration, and the safety at the tested doses indicate that the liriodenine molecule is a promising drug lead for development of anticryptococcal agents.(AU)

Exopolysaccharyde production by Cryptococcus laurentii SD7 using molasses and corn steep liquor as substrates

Microbial polysaccharides are of great biotechnological and commercial interest and have wide application in the food, cosmetic and medicine industries. Exopolysaccharide (EPS) production by the yeast Cryptococcus laurentii SD7, isolated from fresh water molluscs, was studied using agro-industrial byproducts as substrates in the submerged fermentation. The Central Composite Design (CCD) 23 was used to study the influence of pH, different concentrations on sugarcane molasses and corn steep liquor (CSL), for 48 hours. According to the results, the highest EPS production occurred at the initial pH 5 and at 8.4% concentration of sugarcane molasses, which were statistically significant variable at 10% (p < 0.1). The concentration of CSL had no influence in the studied range, thus, it can be used lowest concentration (0.3%). The time course of EPS production showed that while cell growth peaked within 48 hours, the highest EPS production (6.61 g L-1) occurred at 168 hours, with a productivity of about 0.04 g L-1 h-1. The pH of the medium remained approximately constant throughout the fermentation process. The yeast C. laurentii SD7 showed great potential for EPS production at a low cost and with sustainable substrates.(AU)

Histoplasmose felina / Feline histoplasmosis

A histoplasmose é uma doença zoonótica, causada por um fungo oportunista, chamado Histoplasma capsulatum. O fungo é endêmico de regiões subtropicais e temperadas, sendo sua presença relatada principalmente nas Américas, na Índia e no Sudoeste Asiático.Acredita-se que os casos de histoplasmose em gatos ainda sejam subestimados. No Brasil, a maioria dos casos relatados foram provenientes do estado do Ceará. A histoplasmose é considerada a segunda causa mais comum de afecção micótica sistêmica em gatos. Desta forma, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi relatar a ocorrência de um caso com resolução satisfatória em Fortaleza/Ceará. O animal apresentou histórico de espirros crônicos, secreção nasal e um aumento de volume na região nasal, além de um nódulo ulcerado no flanco direito. Foram solicitadas citologia e cultura da lesão, onde foram evidenciadas leveduras sugestivas de Histoplasma capsulatum. O tratamento escolhido foi itraconazol na dose de 100mg/gato, sendo administrada por via oral uma cápsula ao dia. Após 30 dias, o animal retornou ao consultório, apresentando uma melhora considerável, sem aumento de plano nasal, processo obstrutivo nasal e lesões de pele.

Histoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease caused by an opportunistic fungus called Histoplasma capsulatum. The fungus is endemic to subtropical and temperate regions, with its presence being reported mainly in the Americas, India, and Southeast Asia. It is believed that the cases of histoplasmosis in cats are still underestimated. In Brazil, most reported cases were from the state of Ceará. Histoplasmosis is considered the second most common cause of systemic mycotic disease in cats. Thus, the present study aimed to report the occurrence of a case with satisfactory resolution in Fortaleza/Ceará. The animal showed a history of chronic sneezing, nasal secretion, and an increase in volume in the nasal region, in addition to an ulcerated nodule on the right flank. Cytology and culture of the lesion were requested, where yeasts suggestive of Histoplasma capsulatum were evidenced. The chosen treatment was itraconazole at a dose of 100mg/cat, being administered orally one capsule a day. After 30 days, the animal returned to the clinic showing considerable improvement, without an increase in the nasal plane, nasal obstructive process, and skin lesions.

Criptococoma retrobulbar mimetizando tumor em labrador retriever / Retrobulbar cryptococcoma mimicking tumor in a Labrador Retriever

Background: Cryptococcosis is a systemic mycotic disease caused by encapsulated yeasts C. neoformans and C. gattii. Cryptococcus neoformans is predominantly found in soils and feces of pigeons and psittacids. Infection occurs mainly through the respiratory tract, through the inspiration of fungal propagules (basidiospores and/or desiccated yeast cells). The main lesions observed are in the nasal cavity and lungs, but in dogs, the central nervous system and eyes are widely affected. Despite some previously mentioned reports, the retrobulbar form has not been described in the literature. Therefore, the purpose of this report is to describe a case of retrobulbar cryptococcoma mimetizing a tumor in a young bitch. Case: A 2-year-old female Labrador Retriever, was admitted to one Veterinary Hospital with exophthalmia on the left eye for 15 days and other signs included negative retropulsion, mydriasis, and abscence of menace and pupillary reflexes. Ocular ultrasound imaging revealed a hyperecotic and heterogeneous retrobulbar mass in the mid-dorsal region compressing the optic nerve. Computed tomography of the skull showed the presence of proliferation of neoplastic tissue in a locally invasive retrobulbar region promoting moderate rostrolateral displacement of the left ocular bulb, discrete osthelysis in maxillary bone, palatine, medial wall of the orbital bone and frontal bone, with destruction of cribiform plate adjacent to the dorsal region of the orbital wall and presence of mild contrast uptake in the region of the left olfactory bulb lobe, characterizing a picture compatible with neoplasia with malignancy and locally invasive characteristics. Exenteration and excision of part of the frontal bone were performed and histopathological examination revealed granulation with the presence of fibroblasts and numerous typical blastoconidia of Cryptococcus neoformans. The patient was treated with Itraconazole [10 mg/kg, v.o, SID, for 90 days] and one year after diagnosis, X-ray was performed to control the lesion and radiographic aspects were within normal limits. Discussion: Cryptococcus sp. is an environmental fungus that has the potential to be pathogenic to humans and animals. Fungus present as a basidiospores in pigeon droppings. The patient described had a history of contact with free-living pigeons, making it a risk factor for the occurrence of cryptococcosis, being the possible cause of the infection. In dogs, the disease is mainly described in immunosuppressed animals, which was not the case of the patient, who presented clinical and laboratory results within the normal range and without a previous history of use of immunosuppressants. The alterations described in the computed tomography, such as destruction of the cribriform plate adjacent to the dorsal region of the left orbital wall and the presence of slight contrast uptake in the left olfactory bulb lobe region, are compatible with the main entry point for propagules of Cryptococcus sp. In the present case, no periocular and ocular alterations were observed as described in the literature, and the lesion was restricted to the retrobulbar space. Ultrasonography and computed tomography revealed a neoformation mimicking a malignant neoplasm and the diagnosis of cryptococcoma was revealed by histopathology. Based on the present case, cytology through aspiration of retrobulbal neoformations is imperative as a diagnostic method, especially in endemic areas for fungal diseases that can mimic ocular neoplasms.

Peritoneal cryptococcosis in a dog

Background: Cryptococcosis is an opportunistic, systemic mycotic disease caused by yeasts of genus Cryptococcus.Cryptococcus neoformans might cause serious public health problems, as they can be transmitted to humans, domesticand wild animals. In cats and dogs, the main site of infection is the upper lower respiratory tract, however, the infectioncan extend and affect other sites in the organism, however, the peritoneal manifestation of the disease is rare. Thus, thepresent work aims to report a case of cryptococcosis in a canine, mixed breed, female, adult, from the Metropolitan Regionof Belém, PA, Brazil.Case: A mixed breed dog, female, adult was admitted in a veterinary hospital at Belém, presenting abdominal discomfortand, after the clinical examination, emergency exploratory laparotomy was indicated, and it were observed disseminatedlesions in the abdominal cavity, with multiple nodules attached to the peritoneum and intestinal serosa and bladder, uterus,among other organs. Fragments from the surgical biopsy were fixed, and processed routinely according to the techniquesfor histological tissue processing. Histological examination revealed a predominance of granulomatous lesions in peritoneum and mesentery organs. It was observed a discrete inflammatory reaction of macrophages, epithelioid cells andgiant cells, many in phagocytosis of spherical or ovoid organisms, with a thick capsule and a clear perinuclear halo. Inthe PAS staining, the Cryptococcus conidia presented eosinophilic characteristics and some of them had the capsule welldemarcated, which was shown to be radiated. Also it was possible to see the budding yeast and in the Grocott stain, theCryptococcus stained in black.Discussion: Cryptococcosis with peritoneal involvement in animals is rarely reported in the literature. Cryptococcus is afungus that presents tropism by the...

Peritoneal cryptococcosis in a dog

Background: Cryptococcosis is an opportunistic, systemic mycotic disease caused by yeasts of genus Cryptococcus.Cryptococcus neoformans might cause serious public health problems, as they can be transmitted to humans, domesticand wild animals. In cats and dogs, the main site of infection is the upper lower respiratory tract, however, the infectioncan extend and affect other sites in the organism, however, the peritoneal manifestation of the disease is rare. Thus, thepresent work aims to report a case of cryptococcosis in a canine, mixed breed, female, adult, from the Metropolitan Regionof Belém, PA, Brazil.Case: A mixed breed dog, female, adult was admitted in a veterinary hospital at Belém, presenting abdominal discomfortand, after the clinical examination, emergency exploratory laparotomy was indicated, and it were observed disseminatedlesions in the abdominal cavity, with multiple nodules attached to the peritoneum and intestinal serosa and bladder, uterus,among other organs. Fragments from the surgical biopsy were fixed, and processed routinely according to the techniquesfor histological tissue processing. Histological examination revealed a predominance of granulomatous lesions in peritoneum and mesentery organs. It was observed a discrete inflammatory reaction of macrophages, epithelioid cells andgiant cells, many in phagocytosis of spherical or ovoid organisms, with a thick capsule and a clear perinuclear halo. Inthe PAS staining, the Cryptococcus conidia presented eosinophilic characteristics and some of them had the capsule welldemarcated, which was shown to be radiated. Also it was possible to see the budding yeast and in the Grocott stain, theCryptococcus stained in black.Discussion: Cryptococcosis with peritoneal involvement in animals is rarely reported in the literature. Cryptococcus is afungus that presents tropism by the...(AU)

Exopolysaccharyde production by Cryptococcus laurentii SD7 using molasses and corn steep liquor as substrates / Exopolysaccharyde production by Cryptococcus laurentii SD7 using molasses and corn steep liquor as substrates

Microbial polysaccharides are of great biotechnological and commercial interest and have wide application in the food, cosmetic and medicine industries. Exopolysaccharide (EPS) production by the yeast Cryptococcus laurentii SD7, isolated from fresh water molluscs, was studied using agro-industrial byproducts as substrates in the submerged fermentation. The Central Composite Design (CCD) 23 was used to study the influence of pH, different concentrations on sugarcane molasses and corn steep liquor (CSL), for 48 hours. According to the results, the highest EPS production occurred at the initial pH 5 and at 8.4% concentration of sugarcane molasses, which were statistically significant variable at 10% (p < 0.1). The concentration of CSL had no influence in the studied range, thus, it can be used lowest concentration (0.3%). The time course of EPS production showed that while cell growth peaked within 48 hours, the highest EPS production (6.61 g L-1) occurred at 168 hours, with a productivity of about 0.04 g L-1 h-1. The pH of the medium remained approximately constant throughout the fermentation process. The yeast C. laurentii SD7 showed great potential for EPS production at a low cost and with sustainable substrates.

Microbial polysaccharides are of great biotechnological and commercial interest and have wide application in the food, cosmetic and medicine industries. Exopolysaccharide (EPS) production by the yeast Cryptococcus laurentii SD7, isolated from fresh water molluscs, was studied using agro-industrial byproducts as substrates in the submerged fermentation. The Central Composite Design (CCD) 23 was used to study the influence of pH, different concentrations on sugarcane molasses and corn steep liquor (CSL), for 48 hours. According to the results, the highest EPS production occurred at the initial pH 5 and at 8.4% concentration of sugarcane molasses, which were statistically significant variable at 10% (p < 0.1). The concentration of CSL had no influence in the studied range, thus, it can be used lowest concentration (0.3%). The time course of EPS production showed that while cell growth peaked within 48 hours, the highest EPS production (6.61 g L-1) occurred at 168 hours, with a productivity of about 0.04 g L-1 h-1. The pH of the medium remained approximately constant throughout the fermentation process. The yeast C. laurentii SD7 showed great potential for EPS production at a low cost and with sustainable substrates.

Aspectos gerais da histoplasmose em pequenos animais e importância clínica / General aspects of histoplasmosis in small animals and the clinical importance / Aspectos generales de la histoplasmosis en pequeños animales e importancia clínica

Histoplasma capsulatum é o agente causador da histoplasmose, uma das principais doenças que acomete o sistema respiratório inferior de cães e gatos. Este patógeno é frequentemente isolado de fezes de aves e morcegos. A infecção ocorre por inalação dos esporos fúngicos em solos contaminados com as fezes. As manifestações clínicas da doença são divididas em infecção pulmonar, gastrointestinal, subclínica e disseminada. Esta revisão descreve como a doença ocorre em cães e felinos domésticos, seus achados clínicos, diagnóstico, tratamento e prevenção, evidenciando sua importância na clínica médica de pequenos animais.

Histoplasma capsulatum is the causative agent of histoplasmosis, one of the main diseases that affects the lower respiratory system of dogs and cats. This pathogen is often isolated from bird and bat droppings. Infection occurs by inhaling fungal spores in soil contaminated with faeces. The clinical manifestations of the disease are divided into pulmonary, gastrointestinal, subclinical and disseminated infection. This review describes how the disease occurs in dogs and domestic cats, their clinical findings, diagnosis, treatment and prevention, highlighting its importance in the medical clinic of small animals.

Histoplasma capsulatum es el agente causante de la histoplasmosis, una de las principales enfermedades que afecta al sistema respiratorio inferior de perros y gatos. Este patógeno a menudo se aísla de los excrementos de pájaros y murciélagos. La infección se produce al inhalar esporas de hongos en suelo contaminado con heces. Las manifestaciones clínicas de la enfermedad se dividen en infección pulmonar, gastrointestinal, subclínica y diseminada. Esta revisión describe cómo se presenta la enfermedad en perros y gatos domésticos, sus hallazgos clínicos, diagnóstico, tratamiento y prevención, destacando su importancia en la clínica médica de pequeños animales.

Aspectos gerais da histoplasmose em pequenos animais e importância clínica / General aspects of histoplasmosis in small animals and the clinical importance / Aspectos generales de la histoplasmosis en pequeños animales e importancia clínica

Histoplasma capsulatum é o agente causador da histoplasmose, uma das principais doenças que acomete o sistema respiratório inferior de cães e gatos. Este patógeno é frequentemente isolado de fezes de aves e morcegos. A infecção ocorre por inalação dos esporos fúngicos em solos contaminados com as fezes. As manifestações clínicas da doença são divididas em infecção pulmonar, gastrointestinal, subclínica e disseminada. Esta revisão descreve como a doença ocorre em cães e felinos domésticos, seus achados clínicos, diagnóstico, tratamento e prevenção, evidenciando sua importância na clínica médica de pequenos animais.(AU)

Histoplasma capsulatum is the causative agent of histoplasmosis, one of the main diseases that affects the lower respiratory system of dogs and cats. This pathogen is often isolated from bird and bat droppings. Infection occurs by inhaling fungal spores in soil contaminated with faeces. The clinical manifestations of the disease are divided into pulmonary, gastrointestinal, subclinical and disseminated infection. This review describes how the disease occurs in dogs and domestic cats, their clinical findings, diagnosis, treatment and prevention, highlighting its importance in the medical clinic of small animals.(AU)

Histoplasma capsulatum es el agente causante de la histoplasmosis, una de las principales enfermedades que afecta al sistema respiratorio inferior de perros y gatos. Este patógeno a menudo se aísla de los excrementos de pájaros y murciélagos. La infección se produce al inhalar esporas de hongos en suelo contaminado con heces. Las manifestaciones clínicas de la enfermedad se dividen en infección pulmonar, gastrointestinal, subclínica y diseminada. Esta revisión describe cómo se presenta la enfermedad en perros y gatos domésticos, sus hallazgos clínicos, diagnóstico, tratamiento y prevención, destacando su importancia en la clínica médica de pequeños animales.(AU)

Yeast microbiota of free-ranging amphibians and reptiles from Caatinga biome in Ceará State, Northeast Brazil: High pathogenic potential of Candida famata / Leveduras da microbiota de anfíbios e répteis do bioma Caatinga no Ceará, Nordeste do Brasil: alto potencial patogênico de Candida famata

Studies on the fungal microbiota of reptiles and amphibians are necessary to better understand of host-microbe interactions and the establishment of fungal disease in these animals. However, these studies are limited. The present researchidentified yeasts from free-ranging reptiles and amphibians from the Caatinga biome andevaluated the virulence factors production, the antifungal susceptibility in planktonic and biofilm growth and the pathogenicity of Candida famata isolates. Twenty-nine isolates of the genera Candida, Cryptococcus and Rhodotorula were identified by phenotypic and/or molecular methods and production of hydrolytic enzymes in vitro by these genera of fungi was evaluated. In addition, susceptibility of planktonic cells and biofilms to azoles and amphotericin B was evaluated. The pathogenicity of C. famata, the most prevalent yeast species isolated, was evaluated using Caenorhabditis elegans model. C. famata was the most prevalent yeast in amphibian and reptilian microbiota. Phospholipase and protease production was observed in 18/29 and 11/29 of the yeast isolates, respectively, while 100% formed biofilms. Itraconazole presented high minimal inhibitory concentrations against C. famata and C. tropicalis. Amphotericin B reduced the biomass and metabolic activity of biofilms. C. famata induced the mortality of C. elegans. In conclusion, reptiles and amphibians are colonized by yeasts capable of producing important virulence factors, especially by Candida spp. that present low susceptibility to azoles which may result from imbalances in ecosystem. Finally, C. famata isolated from these animals presented high pathogenicity, showing the importance of the study of reptile and amphibians fungal microbiota.(AU)

Estudos sobre a microbiota fúngica de répteis e anfíbios são necessários para melhor compreender as interações hospedeiro-microrganismo e o estabelecimento de doenças fúngicas nesses animais. No entanto, esses estudos são limitados. O objetivo da presente pesquisa foi identificar leveduras isoladas de répteis e anfíbios do bioma Caatinga e avaliar a produção de fatores de virulência, a sensibilidade a antifúngicos no crescimento planctônico e de biofilme e a patogenicidade de Candida famata. Vinte e nove isolados dos gêneros Candida, Cryptococcus e Rhodotorula foram identificados por métodos fenotípicos e/ou moleculares e a produção de enzimas hidrolíticas in vitro por esses gêneros de fungos foi avaliada. Além disso, foi avaliada a suscetibilidade de células planctônicas e biofilmes a azólicos e anfotericina B. A patogenicidade de C. famata, a espécie de levedura isolada mais prevalente, foi avaliada usando Caenorhabditis elegans. C. famata foi a levedura mais prevalente na microbiota de anfíbios e répteis. A produção de fosfolipase e protease foi observada em 18/29 e 11/29 dos isolados de levedura, respectivamente, enquanto 100% formaram biofilmes. O itraconazol apresentou altas concentrações inibitórias mínimas contra C. famata e C. tropicalis. A anfotericina B reduziu a biomassa e atividade metabólica dos biofilmes. C. famata induziu a mortalidade de C. elegans. Em conclusão, répteis e anfíbios são colonizados por leveduras capazes de produzir importantes fatores de virulência, especialmente por cepas de Candida spp. que apresentam baixa suscetibilidade a azólicos que podem resultar de desequilíbrio no ecossistema. Por fim, C. famata isolados desses animais apresentaram alta patogenicidade, mostrando a importância do estudo da microbiota fúngica de répteis e anfíbios.(AU)

Otite média e interna com extensão para tronco encefálico em buldogue francês / Otitis media and internal with brainstem extension in a French bulldog

Background: Otitis is a frequent condition in dogs, with a multifactorial etiology covering primary causes, predisposing and perpetuating factors. It is characterized by an inflammatory process of structures that make up the auditory system, with prevalence data ranging from 15 to 20%, which can occur in any age group and without sex predisposition. According to the location, it can be classified as uni or bilateral, affecting the outer, middle and / or inner ear, the latter two being associated with neurological changes such as vestibulopathy, facial nerve paresis and Horner's syndrome. The morbidity and mortality of otitis media and internal may increase with delay in diagnosis, resulting in delay in the correct treatment, and the extension to brainstem is described in felines and considered rare in dogs. The present study aims to report an atypical case of otitis media and internal, with extension to the brain parenchyma in a brachycephalic dog. Case: A 3-year-old bitch French Bulldog was seen, weighing 12 kg, with a history of vomiting, apathy, nystagmus, ataxia and acute evolution hemiparesis. As a result of adoption, it was not known about the animal's morbid past. On special physical and clinical examination, depressed mental status, changes in postural reactions, nostril stenosis with unilateral mucopurulent nasal discharge, corneal ulcer, palpebral and labial ptosis, absence of eyelid reflex and spontaneous strabismus were observed, all of these findings observed on the left side of the face. No signs of otitis external to otoscopy were found. The clinical signs found characterize left facial nerve paresis and peripheral and central vestibulopathy. Otitis media / internal and meningoencephalitis were suspected. Hemogram, serum biochemistry (glucose, urea, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase, total proteins, albumin, globulin, alkaline phosphatase, gamma glutamyltransferase, phosphorus, total bilirubin, cholesterol and total calcium), urinalysis, rapid tests for erlichiosis, anaplasms , borreliosis, heartworm, distemper and leishmaniasis, CSF analysis, neurological panel performed by PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) that tested the animal for Bartonellosis, Lyme Disease (Borrelia burgdorferi), Blastomyces dermatitidis, Cryptococcus sp., Virus West Nile, Distemper, Toxoplasmosis, Neosporose and Coccidioides sp. using conjunctival swab, whole blood, urine and CSF samples. The samples were negative for all of these tests. As an image exam, brain magnetic resonance was performed. In the latter, otitis media and left internal was observed with extension of the lesion to the brain parenchyma. CSF analysis showed cytological changes compatible with a non-suppurative inflammatory process, mild pleocytosis with predominantly mononuclear leukocyte infiltrate. As a form of treatment, antibiotic therapy and total ablation of the auditory canal with lateral bulectomy were performed, showing good results with reduced clinical symptoms. Discussion: It is concluded that although the diagnosis of otitis media and internal with extension to brainstem is more common in cats, it should be included as a differential for central vestibular disorders in dogs, and that the diagnosis together with early and effective treatment are important, since that the evolution of the infection to the central nervous system represents a risk to the patient.

Criptococose em felino - Relato de caso / Cryptococcosis in a feline - case report

This paper analyzes a case report of cryptococcosis in a 11 years old crossbreed domestic feline, that was attended at Dr. Vicente Borelli"  Centro Universitário Fundação de Ensino Octávio Bastos Veterinary Hospital. The animal presented increased nasal volume. After physical examination, it was collected material from the lesion in order to do fungal culture and histologic analysis. It was observed pyogranulomatous dermatitis and presence of Cryptococcus spp., an microorganism able to affect humans, domestics and wild animals, corroborating the diagnosis of Cryptococcosis.

O presente trabalho analisa um caso de criptococose em um felino doméstico, sem raça definida, com 11 anos de idade, atendido no Hospital Veterinário "Dr. Vicente Borelli" do Centro Universitário Fundação de Ensino Octávio Bastos, São João da Boa Vista - SP. O animal apresentava aumento de volume em região nasal. Após exame clínico, foi realizada a colheita de material para exame de cultura fúngica e histopatológico. Neste último, observou-se uma dermatite piogranulomatosa e presença do microrganismo Cryptococcus spp., capaz de acometer humanos e animais domésticos e silvestres, confirmando o diagnóstico de Criptococose.

Criptococose em felino - Relato de caso / Cryptococcosis in a feline - case report

This paper analyzes a case report of cryptococcosis in a 11 years old crossbreed domestic feline, that was attended at Dr. Vicente Borelli"  Centro Universitário Fundação de Ensino Octávio Bastos Veterinary Hospital. The animal presented increased nasal volume. After physical examination, it was collected material from the lesion in order to do fungal culture and histologic analysis. It was observed pyogranulomatous dermatitis and presence of Cryptococcus spp., an microorganism able to affect humans, domestics and wild animals, corroborating the diagnosis of Cryptococcosis.(AU)

O presente trabalho analisa um caso de criptococose em um felino doméstico, sem raça definida, com 11 anos de idade, atendido no Hospital Veterinário "Dr. Vicente Borelli" do Centro Universitário Fundação de Ensino Octávio Bastos, São João da Boa Vista - SP. O animal apresentava aumento de volume em região nasal. Após exame clínico, foi realizada a colheita de material para exame de cultura fúngica e histopatológico. Neste último, observou-se uma dermatite piogranulomatosa e presença do microrganismo Cryptococcus spp., capaz de acometer humanos e animais domésticos e silvestres, confirmando o diagnóstico de Criptococose.(AU)