Fungal diseases in dogs and cats in Northeastern Brazil / Doenças fúngicas em cães e gatos no Nordeste do Brasil

ABSTRACT: In this retrospective study, the clinical and anatomopathological findings of fungal diseases in dogs and cats in Northeastern Brazil are described. During the study period, 6,827 histopathological examinations (4,090 necropsies and 2,737 biopsies) of companion animals were reviewed, and fungal infections were diagnosed in 54 cases. Of these, 32 cases were diagnosed in cats and 22 in dogs. Sporotrichosis was the most prevalent mycosis (19/54), followed by dermatophytosis (9/54), cryptococcosis (8/54), candidiasis (7/54), and phaeohyphomycosis (4/54). Other diseases had two cases each, including aspergillosis, mucormycosis, and histoplasmosis, whereas coccidioidomycosis occurred once. Mycoses were diagnosed through microscopic lesions associated with the histomorphological characteristics of the agent, as evidenced by routine and special histochemical stains. They were occasionally confirmed by immunohistochemistry and microbiological cultivation. This retrospective study showed that despite being uncommon, fungal diseases are important causes of death in dogs and cats in the region, with cats being the most affected species and sporotrichosis being the most prevalent mycosis. Clinical signs were correlated with the portal of entry of the infection associated with localized or disseminated superficial and deep skin lesions or affecting parenchymal organs, especially in systemic infections. Microscopic lesions were mainly characterized by pyogranulomatous inflammation associated with fungal structures. In dogs, mycoses occurred mainly owing to an immunological impairment secondary to canine distemper virus co-infection.

RESUMO: Neste estudo retrospectivo, são descritos os achados clínicos e anatomopatológicos das doenças fúngicas em cães e gatos no Nordeste do Brasil. Durante o período de estudo, foram revisados 6.827 exames histopatológicos (4.090 necropsias e 2.737 biópsias) de animais de companhia e diagnosticados 54 casos de infecções fúngicas. Destes, 32 casos foram diagnosticados em gatos e 22 em cães. A esporotricose foi a micose mais prevalente (19/54), seguida pela dermatofitose (9/54), criptococose (8/54), candidíase (7/54) e feo-hifomicose (4/54). Outras doenças tiveram dois casos cada, incluindo aspergilose, mucormicose e histoplasmose, enquanto a coccidioidomicose ocorreu uma vez. As micoses foram diagnosticadas por meio das lesões microscópicas associadas às características histomorfológicas do agente, evidenciadas pelas colorações de rotina e histoquímicas especiais, e ocasionalmente confirmadas pela imuno-histoquímica e cultivo microbiológico. Esse estudo retrospectivo demonstrou que apesar de incomuns, as doenças fúngicas são importantes causas de morte em cães e gatos da região, sendo os gatos a espécie mais afetada e a esporotricose, a micose mais prevalente. Os sinais clínicos estavam correlacionados com a porta de entrada da infecção, associados a lesões cutâneas localizadas ou disseminadas superficiais e profundas ou afetando órgãos parenquimatosos, especialmente em infecções sistêmicas. As lesões microscópicas eram caracterizadas principalmente por inflamação piogranulomatosa associada a estruturas fúngicas. Nos cães, as micoses ocorreram principalmente devido ao comprometimento imunológico secundária a coinfecção pelo vírus da cinomose canina.

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.

Multiparametric assay of screening for the diagnosis of mycoses of interest in Public Health: standardization of methodology / Ensaio multiparamétrico de triagem para diagnóstico de micoses de interesse em Saúde Pública: padronização da metodologia

The standardization and validation of a multiplex assay requires the combination of important parameters such as sensitivity and specificity, acceptable levels of performance, robustness, and reproducibility. We standardized a multiparametric Dot-blot aimed at the serological screening of paracoccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis, and aspergillosis. A total of 148 serum were evaluated: 10 from healthy subjects, 36 from patients with paracoccidioidomycosis, 62 from patients with histoplasmosis, and 40 from patients with aspergillosis. It was found that the multiparametric Dot-blot showed a high percentage of cross-reactivity. However, when evaluated individually, in the serological screening of histoplasmosis, a good performance was observed when compared to the double immunodiffusion assay, considered the gold standard test, with 100% co-positivity and 83.3% co-negativity. The performance of serological screening for aspergillosis was not satisfactory when compared to double immunodiffusion, showing 71.4% co-positivity and 100% co-negativity. The evaluation of the stability of nitrocellulose membranes showed that membranes sensitized with H. capsulatum antigen remained stable for 90 days and those sensitized with A. fumigatus antigen for 30 days. We conclude that the use of crude antigens was not suitable for the standardization of the multiparametric Dot-blot assay, due to the high cross-reactivity, and that further tests should be performed with purified proteins (AU).

A padronização e validação de um ensaio multiplex requer a combinação de parâmetros importantes, como sensibilidade e especificidade, níveis aceitáveis de desempenho, robustez e reprodutibilidade. Este trabalho padronizou um Dot-blot multiparamétrico visando a triagem sorológica da paracoccidioidomicose, histoplasmose e aspergilose. Foram avaliadas 148 amostras de soro: 10 de indivíduos saudáveis, 36 de pacientes com paracoccidioidomicose, 62 de pacientes com histoplasmose e 40 de pacientes com aspergilose. Verificou-se que o Dot-blot multiparamétrico apresentou elevado percentual de reatividade cruzada. Entretanto, quando avaliado individualmente, na triagem sorológica da histoplasmose observou-se bom desempenho quando comparado ao ensaio de imunodifusão dupla, considerado o teste padrão ouro, com 100% de co-positividade e 83,3% de co-negatividade. O desempenho da triagem sorológica da aspergilose não foi satisfatório quando comparado a imunodifusão dupla, apresentando 71,4% de co-positividade e 100% de co-negatividade. A avaliação da estabilidade das membranas de nitrocelulose mostrou que membranas sensibilizadas com antígeno de H. capsulatum permaneceram estáveis por 90 dias e as sensibilizadas com antígeno de A. fumigatus, por 30 dias. Concluímos que o uso de antígenos brutos não foi adequado para a padronização do ensaio de Dot-blot multiparamétrico, devido ao alto índice de reatividade cruzada, e que novos testes devem ser realizados com proteínas purificadas (AU).

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)

Adenocarcinoma renal em faisão-de-coleira (Phasianus colchicus) / Renal adenocarcinoma in collared pheasant (Phasianus colchicus)

O faisão-de-coleira (Phasianus colchicus) pertence à família Phasianidae, sendo originário da Ásia, ocupando áreas naturais das regiões da Rússia, China, Nepal e Japão. Há uma relação direta entre longevidade e neoformações em animais selvagens. Neoplasias renais são raramente observadas em aves selvagens de vida livre e ocasionalmente ocorrem em animais domésticos, porém com relatos escassos na literatura científica em relação a aves selvagens mantidas sob cuidados humanos. O presente artigo relata o diagnóstico histopatológico de adenocarcinoma associado à coinfecção por Histoplasma sp em um exemplar de faisão-de-coleira mantido sob cuidados humanos em uma coleção de animais selvagens.

The collared pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) is an exotic bird, belong to order Galliformes, family Phasianidae, being originally from Asia, occupying natural areas in the regions of Russia, China, Nepal and Japan. There is a direct relationship between longevity and neoformations in wild animals. Renal neoplasms are rarely observed in wild freeliving birds and occasionally occur in domestic animals, but with scarce reports in the scientific literature related wild birds kept under human care. The present article reports the histopathological diagnosis of adenocarcinoma associated with co-infection with Histoplasma sp in a specimen of collared pheasant kept under human care in a wild animal collection.

Adenocarcinoma renal em faisão-de-coleira (Phasianus colchicus) / Renal adenocarcinoma in collared pheasant (Phasianus colchicus)

O faisão-de-coleira (Phasianus colchicus) pertence à família Phasianidae, sendo originário da Ásia, ocupando áreas naturais das regiões da Rússia, China, Nepal e Japão. Há uma relação direta entre longevidade e neoformações em animais selvagens. Neoplasias renais são raramente observadas em aves selvagens de vida livre e ocasionalmente ocorrem em animais domésticos, porém com relatos escassos na literatura científica em relação a aves selvagens mantidas sob cuidados humanos. O presente artigo relata o diagnóstico histopatológico de adenocarcinoma associado à coinfecção por Histoplasma sp em um exemplar de faisão-de-coleira mantido sob cuidados humanos em uma coleção de animais selvagens.(AU)

The collared pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) is an exotic bird, belong to order Galliformes, family Phasianidae, being originally from Asia, occupying natural areas in the regions of Russia, China, Nepal and Japan. There is a direct relationship between longevity and neoformations in wild animals. Renal neoplasms are rarely observed in wild freeliving birds and occasionally occur in domestic animals, but with scarce reports in the scientific literature related wild birds kept under human care. The present article reports the histopathological diagnosis of adenocarcinoma associated with co-infection with Histoplasma sp in a specimen of collared pheasant kept under human care in a wild animal collection.(AU)

Histoplasmose nasocutânea em gato / Nasocutaneous histoplasmosis in cat

Histoplasmosis is a systemic fungal disease of an opportunistic nature that affects humans and animals. The objective of this work were to report a clinical case of histoplasmosis in a cat. In the Veterinary Hospital Professor Sylvio Barbosa Cardoso (HVSBC) a cat, no defined breed, female, of four years of age. No cytopathological examination was obtained through histoplasma spp. without cytoplasm of macrophages. Itraconazole in suspension (40 mg / mL / SID) was prescribed for the patient. On the return of the animal, after 21 days of treatment, it was not printed on a readiness scale, then the same drug was prescribed with dose adjustment (50 mg / capsule / SID for 90 days) and pharmaceutical form, and after 38 days was remission of the nasal region.(AU)

Histoplasmose nasocutânea em gato / Nasocutaneous histoplasmosis in cat

Histoplasmosis is a systemic fungal disease of an opportunistic nature that affects humans and animals. The objective of this work were to report a clinical case of histoplasmosis in a cat. In the Veterinary Hospital Professor Sylvio Barbosa Cardoso (HVSBC) a cat, no defined breed, female, of four years of age. No cytopathological examination was obtained through histoplasma spp. without cytoplasm of macrophages. Itraconazole in suspension (40 mg / mL / SID) was prescribed for the patient. On the return of the animal, after 21 days of treatment, it was not printed on a readiness scale, then the same drug was prescribed with dose adjustment (50 mg / capsule / SID for 90 days) and pharmaceutical form, and after 38 days was remission of the nasal region.

Histoplasmose pulmonar grave em um gato doméstico: tratamento com Anfotericina B e Itraconazol / acute pulmonary histoplasmosis in a domestic cat treated with Amphotericin B and Itraconazole

Background: Histoplasmosis is a systemic mycosis whose etiologic agent is the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. This fungal infection, which is the second most frequent systemic mycotic fungal disease in felines in the United States, has rarely been found in cats in Brazil. This paper reports on a case of acute pulmonary histoplasmosis in a domestic cat treated with oral itraconazole associated with amphotericin B administered subcutaneously. This treatment resulted in clinical remission of the patient’s symptoms, as evidenced by radiographic follow-ups.Case: A domestic cat suffering from acute dyspnea was taken to a veterinary clinic. The animal was subjected to emergency oxygen therapy, and kept at rest through sedation with midazolam. A physical examination revealed normally colored mucosa, 8% dehydration, bristly fur, body condition score 2/9, tachypnea with respiratory rate of 100 breaths per minute and expiratory dyspnea. The radiographic examination showed marked opacification of all the pulmonary fields, with a mixed pattern (interstitial and alveolar) of heterogeneous appearance and diffuse distribution, which are changes consistent with an inflammatory infectious process (pneumonia). A cytological analysis of the pleural fluid revealed round to oval-shaped intracytoplasmic structures, varying in size from 2 to 4 μm, inside foamy macrophages, consistent with Histoplasma capsulatum. Based on the diagnosis of pulmonary histoplasmosis, and in view of the patient’s acute respiratory distress, it was decided to treat the cat using itraconazole associated with amphotericin B. Itraconazole was administered orally at a dose of 100 mg/cat every 24 h, while amphotericin B was administered subcutaneously at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg, combined with 100 mL of sodium chloride 0.9% and 100 mL of 5% glycated serum, with monitoring of serum concentrations of symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA).[...]

Histoplasmose pulmonar grave em um gato doméstico: tratamento com Anfotericina B e Itraconazol / acute pulmonary histoplasmosis in a domestic cat treated with Amphotericin B and Itraconazole

Background: Histoplasmosis is a systemic mycosis whose etiologic agent is the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. This fungal infection, which is the second most frequent systemic mycotic fungal disease in felines in the United States, has rarely been found in cats in Brazil. This paper reports on a case of acute pulmonary histoplasmosis in a domestic cat treated with oral itraconazole associated with amphotericin B administered subcutaneously. This treatment resulted in clinical remission of the patients symptoms, as evidenced by radiographic follow-ups.Case: A domestic cat suffering from acute dyspnea was taken to a veterinary clinic. The animal was subjected to emergency oxygen therapy, and kept at rest through sedation with midazolam. A physical examination revealed normally colored mucosa, 8% dehydration, bristly fur, body condition score 2/9, tachypnea with respiratory rate of 100 breaths per minute and expiratory dyspnea. The radiographic examination showed marked opacification of all the pulmonary fields, with a mixed pattern (interstitial and alveolar) of heterogeneous appearance and diffuse distribution, which are changes consistent with an inflammatory infectious process (pneumonia). A cytological analysis of the pleural fluid revealed round to oval-shaped intracytoplasmic structures, varying in size from 2 to 4 μm, inside foamy macrophages, consistent with Histoplasma capsulatum. Based on the diagnosis of pulmonary histoplasmosis, and in view of the patients acute respiratory distress, it was decided to treat the cat using itraconazole associated with amphotericin B. Itraconazole was administered orally at a dose of 100 mg/cat every 24 h, while amphotericin B was administered subcutaneously at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg, combined with 100 mL of sodium chloride 0.9% and 100 mL of 5% glycated serum, with monitoring of serum concentrations of symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA).[...](AU)

Doenças micóticas em gatos no Rio Grande do Sul / Fungal diseases in cats in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

As enfermidades fúngicas são diagnósticos diferenciais de diversas morbidades de caráter infeccioso, degenerativo ou proliferativo neoplásico, principalmente em gatos, que é a espécie mais suscetível a estas. Este trabalho descreve os achados anatomopatológicos de doenças fúngicas em gatos no período de janeiro de 2005 a dezembro de 2015 pelo SPV-UFRGS. Foram revisados 1.274 protocolos de necropsia e encontrou-se 17 casos de micoses, correspondendo a 1,33% dos diagnósticos. Quanto às amostras provenientes de biopsias, foram verificados 2.615 protocolos e detectou-se 59 casos de doenças fúngicas, totalizando 2,25% dos diagnósticos, sendo revisados seus achados macroscópicos, microscópicos, colorações especiais e cultivo micológico. O principal diagnóstico encontrado foi esporotricose com 34 casos de biópsia e cinco de necropsia. Criptococose obteve seis diagnósticos na necropsia e 13 na biópsia. O pseudomicetoma dermatofítico possui cinco casos de biópsia e dois de necropsia. Histoplasmose obteve um diagnóstico na necropsia e dois na biópsia. Aspergilose teve dois casos diagnosticados na necropsia. Candidíase e feo-hifomicose obtiveram um caso cada. Em quatro ocasiões, não se pode identificar o agente envolvido na lesão e foram classificados conforme a alteração morfológica em: dermatite fúngica, enterite fúngica, rinite micótica e dermatite e osteomielite fúngica. Através deste trabalho, pode-se identificar que a esporotricose foi o diagnóstico de doença fúngica mais frequente em felinos, seguido da criptococose e pseudomicetoma dermatofítico.(AU)

Fungal disease is included in the differential diagnosis of a wide range of disorders in cats. At the Department of Veterinary Pathology of Federal University Federal of Rio Grande do Sul (SPV-UFRGS), evaluation of records data of cats from January 2005 to December 2015 were examined. A total of 1,274 necropsy have been reviewed from which 17 cases of fungal infection was revealed accounting for 1.33%, and a total of 2,615 biopsies have been reviewed from which 59 cases of fungal infection was revealed, accounting for 2.25%. We retrospectively analyzed the gross and microscopic findings and the yield of additional diagnostic approaches employed. Sporotrichosis was the most common diagnosis with 34 cases found in biopsy and five necropsies. Cryptococcosis obtained six diagnoses through necropsy and 13 through biopsy. Dermatophytic pseudomycetoma was found in five cases in biopsy and two necropsies. Histoplasmosis diagnosis was obtained in one necropsy and two biopsies. Aspergillosis had two cases diagnosed in necropsy. Candidiase and phaeo-hyphomycosis accounted for one case each. In four occasions, it was not possible to identify the agent involved and the diagnosis was made regarding the morphological changes: fungal dermatitis, fungal enteritis, mycotic rhinitis, and fungal dermatitis and osteomyelitis. In this study, sporotrichosis could be identified as the most frequent diagnosis of fungal disease in cats, followed by cryptococcosis and dermatophytic pseudomycetoma.(AU)

Doenças micóticas em gatos no Rio Grande do Sul / Fungal diseases in cats in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

As enfermidades fúngicas são diagnósticos diferenciais de diversas morbidades de caráter infeccioso, degenerativo ou proliferativo neoplásico, principalmente em gatos, que é a espécie mais suscetível a estas. Este trabalho descreve os achados anatomopatológicos de doenças fúngicas em gatos no período de janeiro de 2005 a dezembro de 2015 pelo SPV-UFRGS. Foram revisados 1.274 protocolos de necropsia e encontrou-se 17 casos de micoses, correspondendo a 1,33% dos diagnósticos. Quanto às amostras provenientes de biopsias, foram verificados 2.615 protocolos e detectou-se 59 casos de doenças fúngicas, totalizando 2,25% dos diagnósticos, sendo revisados seus achados macroscópicos, microscópicos, colorações especiais e cultivo micológico. O principal diagnóstico encontrado foi esporotricose com 34 casos de biópsia e cinco de necropsia. Criptococose obteve seis diagnósticos na necropsia e 13 na biópsia. O pseudomicetoma dermatofítico possui cinco casos de biópsia e dois de necropsia. Histoplasmose obteve um diagnóstico na necropsia e dois na biópsia. Aspergilose teve dois casos diagnosticados na necropsia. Candidíase e feo-hifomicose obtiveram um caso cada. Em quatro ocasiões, não se pode identificar o agente envolvido na lesão e foram classificados conforme a alteração morfológica em: dermatite fúngica, enterite fúngica, rinite micótica e dermatite e osteomielite fúngica. Através deste trabalho, pode-se identificar que a esporotricose foi o diagnóstico de doença fúngica mais frequente em felinos, seguido da criptococose e pseudomicetoma dermatofítico.(AU)

Fungal disease is included in the differential diagnosis of a wide range of disorders in cats. At the Department of Veterinary Pathology of Federal University Federal of Rio Grande do Sul (SPV-UFRGS), evaluation of records data of cats from January 2005 to December 2015 were examined. A total of 1,274 necropsy have been reviewed from which 17 cases of fungal infection was revealed accounting for 1.33%, and a total of 2,615 biopsies have been reviewed from which 59 cases of fungal infection was revealed, accounting for 2.25%. We retrospectively analyzed the gross and microscopic findings and the yield of additional diagnostic approaches employed. Sporotrichosis was the most common diagnosis with 34 cases found in biopsy and five necropsies. Cryptococcosis obtained six diagnoses through necropsy and 13 through biopsy. Dermatophytic pseudomycetoma was found in five cases in biopsy and two necropsies. Histoplasmosis diagnosis was obtained in one necropsy and two biopsies. Aspergillosis had two cases diagnosed in necropsy. Candidiase and phaeo-hyphomycosis accounted for one case each. In four occasions, it was not possible to identify the agent involved and the diagnosis was made regarding the morphological changes: fungal dermatitis, fungal enteritis, mycotic rhinitis, and fungal dermatitis and osteomyelitis. In this study, sporotrichosis could be identified as the most frequent diagnosis of fungal disease in cats, followed by cryptococcosis and dermatophytic pseudomycetoma.(AU)

Terpinen-4-ol, tyrosol, and -lapachone as potential antifungals against dimorphic fungi

This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro antifungal activity of terpinen-4-ol, tyrosol, and -lapachone against strains of Coccidioides posadasii in filamentous phase (n = 22) and Histoplasma capsulatum in both filamentous (n = 40) and yeast phases (n = 13), using the broth dilution methods as described by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute, to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of these compounds. The mechanisms of action of these compounds were also investigated by analyzing their effect on cell membrane permeability and ergosterol synthesis. The MIC and MFCf these compounds against C. posadasii, mycelial H. capsulatum, and yeast-like H. capsulatum, were in the following ranges: 350-5720 µg/mL, 20-2860 µg/mL, and 40-1420 µg/mL, respectively for terpinen-4-ol; 250-4000 µg/mL, 30-2000 µg/mL, and 10-1000 µg/mL, respectively, for tyrosol; and 0.48-7.8 µg/mL, 0.25-16 µg/mL, and 0.125-4 µg/mL, respectively for -lapachone. These compounds showed a decrease in MIC when the samples were subjected to osmotic stress, suggesting that the compounds acted on the fungal membrane. All the compounds were able to reduce the ergosterol content of the fungal strains. Finally, tyrosol was able to cause a leakage of intracellular molecules.(AU)

Histoplasmose cutânea em felino relato de caso

A Histoplasmose é uma zoonose, causada pelo fungo Histoplasma capsulatum, sendo transmitida a partir da inalação de esporos, encontrados em fezes de morcegos, aves e solos ricos em matéria orgânica. No Brasil, há registros de surtos da doença nas regiões dos estados de São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Espírito Santo, Mato Grosso e Minas Gerais. Este trabalho objetivou relatar um caso de um felino, SRD, com sete anos de idade, macho, atendido no Hospital Veterinário da Faculdade Doutor Francisco Maeda FAFRAM diagnosticado com histoplasmose cutânea. O animal deu entrada no Hospital Veterinário apresentando alopecias e feridas ulcerativas por todo o corpo, principalmente em região de face, além de apatia, perda de peso progressiva e linfadenomegalia, com demais parâmetros normais e histórico de acesso à rua e envolvimento com brigas. Sugeriu-se coleta de fragmento de pele para análise histopatológica. Na análise histopatológica observou-se epiderme com necrose e infiltrado neutrofílico degenerado, áreas de hiperplasia, infiltrado inflamatório piogranulomatoso e macrófagos espumosos fagocitando estruturas compatíveis com fungos leveduriformes, caracterizando dermatite necro granulomatosa e histoplasmose. O animal foi submetido ao tratamento com itraconazol (5mg.kg-1,BID), sem melhora no quadro clínico após 30 dias. O proprietário, que também já estava apresentando sintomatologia da doe

Feline histoplasmosis: a case of supraorbital involvement / Histoplasmose felina: relato de caso com envolvimento supraorbital

Histoplasmosis is a systemic fungal infection caused by the dimorphic fungus Histoplasma capsulatum that infects humans and a wide variety of mammalian species, including cats.  In Brazil only four cases of this disease were reported in domestic cats. The present study reports a case of an indoor cat, rescued from street three years ago, that developed histoplasmosis with supraorbital involvement. The cat presented sneezing, dyspnea and increased respiratory sounds and the diagnosis suspected was allergic rhinitis. Prednisolone and amoxicillin were prescribed. The patient returned to clinic after clinical signs worsened with a swelling of the right supraorbital region, unilateral left side conjunctivitis and enlarged submandibular lymph nodes. Cytology and culture revealed Histoplasma capsulatum. Initially, itraconazole (10 mg/Kg SID orally) was prescribed and due to the worsening of clinical signs, was combined amphotericin B (0.5 mg/kg SC) for two weeks. The therapy with amphotericin was discontinued and itraconazole continued to be administered for six months. The clinical signs were resolved and no recrudescence was reported. It is important that veterinary practitioners to be aware of the clinical features of feline histoplasmosis and consider the possibility of a subclinical infection. 

Histoplasmose é uma infecção sistêmica causada pelo fungo dimórfico Histoplasma capsulatum, que infecta humanos e uma ampla variedade de mamíferos, incluindo os gatos. No Brasil, somente quatro casos dessa doença foram relatados em gatos domésticos. O presente estudo relata um caso de um gato, vivendo em ambiente domiciliar sem acesso à rua, mas que tinha sido resgatado das ruas havia três anos, que desenvolveu histoplasmose com envolvimento supraorbital. O paciente apresentava espirros, dispneia e aumento dos sons respiratórios e a suspeita clínica foi rinite alérgica. O animal foi tratado com prednisolona e amoxicilina. Com a piora dos sinais clínicos o paciente retornou apresentando um edema na região supraorbital direita, conjuntivite unilateral do olho esquerdo e linfoadenomegalia na região submandibular. A citologia e a cultura revelaram a presença de Histoplasma capsulatum. Inicialmente, itraconazol (10 mg/kg via oral, uma vez ao dia) foi prescrito e devido à piora dos sinais clínicos, anfotericina B (0,5 mg/Kg via subcutânea) foi administrada por duas semanas associada ao triazólico. A terapia com anfotericina B foi descontinuada e o itraconazol mantido por seis meses até a cura clínica e nenhuma recrudescência foi registrada. É importante ressaltar que veterinários devem estar atentos para os sinais clínicos da histoplasmose e que devem considerar a possibilidade de uma infecção subclínica.(AU)

Immunological assays employed for the elucidation of an histoplasmosis outbreak in São Paulo, SP

Several reports showed outbreaks of histoplasmosis acquired while bat-inhabited caves were visited by tourists, miners or researchers. We evaluated the performance of double immunodifusion (DI) and immunoblotting (IB) assays, employed for the histoplasmosis outbreak elucidation occurred in Vale do Paraíba, São Paulo. The existence of epidemiologic link, four patients with clinical signs suggestive of histoplasmosis and mycological confirmation has made that all 35 individuals involved to the cave visit were subjected to serological evaluation. By DI, we observed reactivity against H. capsulatum antigen in a single serum examined nearly 20 days after exposure to fungal propagules. On the other hand, IB showed reactivity against H and M fractions in 50% of samples evaluated. The analysis of the second sample batch, collected two months after the exposure showed that 96.7% were reactive by DI with antibodies titers ranging from 1 to 16 and 100% of reactivity against H and M fractions, by IB, suggesting an acute infection. The analysis of the overall agreement between the methods showed to be reasonable (κ = 0.37). This study confirms the importance and efficacy of more sensitive methodologies, such as IB assay, to early elucidation of disease, especially in cases of patients without mycological information.

Importance of the association of molecular and immunological diagnosis in immunocompetent patient with Histoplasma capsulatum and Cryptoccocus neoformans infection: a case report

This case reports an immunocompetent 29-year-old woman with suspected pneumonia, suggestive of fungal infection. Immunoblotting analysis reactivity againstHistoplasma capsulatum and Paracoccidioides brasiliensis were observed. Nested-PCR in blood employing species-specific primers was positive for H. capsulatum andCryptococcus neoformans. The evaluation of paucisymptomatic patients with positive results for H. capsulatum and C. neoformans could be relevant for the prevention as well as the possible evaluation of the reactivated quiescent foci. In conclusion, the associated methodology may have contributed to the monitoring endogenous reactivation of these diseases.(AU)

Detecção de Trypanosoma cruzi, Leishmania infantum e Histoplasma capsulatum em morcegos (Mammalia: Chiroptera) no bioma amazônico, Pará, Brasil

Diversos agentes patogênicos podem ser mantidos na natureza por uma ou mais espécies reservatórias, em sua maioria, animais silvestres. A grande diversidade e dispersão dos morcegos, associadas aos métodos de exploração da natureza pelo homem acabam por facilitarem o contato desses animais com seres humanos e seus animais domésticos, possibilitando cada vez mais a transmissão de agentes infecciosos. O presente estudo teve como objetivo pesquisar infecções naturais por Trypanosoma cruzi, Leishmania infantum e Histoplasma capsulatum em morcegos de áreas urbanas e de fragmentos florestais que sofreram alterações antrópicas, e analisar os aspectos epidemiológicos que possam contribuir para a ocorrência dessas infecções em municípios do estado do Pará. A tese foi dividida em três artigos. O primeiro artigo objetivou pesquisar a infecção natural por H. capsulatum em morcegos de fragmentos florestais, e de áreas urbanas do estado do Pará. Amostras biológicas de 100 morcegos de 22 espécies, capturados em 18 municípios foram submetidas à Nested-PCR para amplificação do DNA de H. capsulatum. O segundo artigo propôs pesquisar a ocorrência de infecção natural por T. cruzi e L. infantum em morcegos de áreas urbanas de municípios do estado do Pará. Foram avaliados 69 morcegos de 15 espécies, capturados em 14 municípios. As amostras biológicas foram submetidas às PCRs para amplificação do DNA de L. infantum e T. cruzi. O terceiro artigo teve como objetivo pesquisar a ocorrência de infecção natural por T. cruzi e L. infantum em morcegos de fragmentos florestais. Foram avaliados 34 morcegos de três municípios pertencentes à mesorregião do nordeste paraense. As amostras biológicas foram submetidas a PCR para amplificação de DNA de L. infantum, e usando um protocolo nested PCR (24S rRNA) para amplificação de DNA de T. cruzi e ainda, amostras de sangue de 20 espécimes foram submetidas ao isolamento de tripanossomatídeos em meio de NNN/LIT e em quatro (20%) foram observadas formas parasitárias compatíveis com com as do subgênero Schizotrypanum. No primeiro artigo detectamos dois morcegos positivos para H. capsulatum, na nested PCR. Foi realizada a análise filogenética que evidenciou 99-100% de identidade apenas com H. capsulatum. No segundo artigo, tripanossomatídeos foram detectados em 7,2% dos morcegos analisados. Desses, 5,8% foram positivos para T. cruzi e 1,4% para L. infantum. O terceiro artigo mostrou que dos 34 morcegos analisados, em 5,9% foi evidenciado DNA de L. infantum. A frequência relativa da detecção de DNA de T. cruzi foi de 26,5%. As amostras positivas, para T. cruzi, foram submetidas ao sequenciamento, sendo possível análise das sequências obtidas de apenas quatro morcegos. Dessas, três sequencias quando comparada com as disponiveis no GenBank revelou que as amostras apresentaram 99-100% de identidade com T. cruzi marinkellei, e a sequência obtida de um morcego apresentou 99-100% de identidade com T. cruzi. Os resultatos mostram que H. capsulatum e tripanossomatídeos estão presentes em morcegos, nas áreas urbanas e de fragmentos florestais, da região estudada. Este fato mostra que os morcegos não devem ser excluídos como potenciais reservatórios para esses agentes infecciosos de interesse em saúde pública.

Several pathogens may be kept in the wild by one or more reservoir species, mostly wild animals. The great diversity and dispersion of bats, associated with the methods of exploitation of nature by man, end up facilitating the contact of these animals with humans and their domestic animals, making possible the transmission of infectious agents. The present study aimed to investigate natural infections by Trypanosoma cruzi, Leishmania infantum and Histoplasma capsulatum in bats from urban areas and forest fragments that suffered anthropic changes, and to analyze the epidemiological aspects that may contribute to the occurrence of these infections in municipalities of the state of. Pará. The thesis was divided into three articles. The first article aimed to investigate the natural infection by H. capsulatum in bats from forest fragments and urban areas of the state of Pará. Biological samples from 100 bats from 22 species, captured in 18 municipalities were submitted to nested PCR for DNA amplification. of H. capsulatum. The second article proposed to investigate the occurrence of natural infection by T. cruzi and L. infantum in bats of urban areas of municipalities of the state of Pará. 69 bats of 15 species, captured in 14 municipalities, were evaluated. Biological samples were submitted to PCRs for amplification of L. infantum and T. cruzi DNA. The third article aimed to investigate the occurrence of natural infection by T. cruzi and L. infantum in forest fragment bats. Thirty-four bats from three municipalities from the northeastern mesoregion were evaluated. Biological samples were submitted to PCR for L. infantum DNA amplification, and using a nested PCR protocol (24S rRNA) for T. cruzi DNA amplification and blood samples from 20 specimens were submitted to trypanosomal isolation in NNN / LIT and four (20%) parasitic forms compatible with those of the subgenus Schizotrypanum. In the first article we detected two H. capsulatum-positive bats in nested PCR. Phylogenetic analysis was performed which showed 99-100% identity with H. capsulatum alone. In the second article, trypanosomatids were detected in 7.2% of the bats analyzed. Of these, 5.8% were positive for T. cruzi and 1.4% positive for L. infantum. The third article showed that of the 34 bats analyzed, 5.9% showed DNA from L. infantum. The relative frequency of T. cruzi DNA detection was 26.5%. The positive samples for T. cruzi were submitted to sequencing, being possible the analysis of the sequences obtained from only four bats. Of these, three sequences when compared to those available on GenBank revealed that the samples had 99-100% identity with T. cruzi marinkellei, and the sequence obtained from a bat showed 99-100% identity with T. cruzi. The results show that H. capsulatum and trypanosomatids are present in bats in urban and forest fragment areas of the studied region. This shows that bats should not be excluded as potential reservoirs for these infectious agents of public health interest.

Ocorrência de micoses e pitiose em animais domésticos: 230 casos / Occurrence of mycoses and pythiosis in domestic animals: 230 cases

A retrospective study was performed to determine the main mycoses and oomycosis that affected domestic animals diagnosed in the Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária (LPV) of the Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM). A total of 29,686 exams (9,487 necropsy reports and 20,199 biopsy reports) performed between January 1990 and December 2012 were analyzed. Two hundred and thirty cases (78% of mycoses and 22% of pythiosis) were found. Data about epidemiology, clinical signs, gross and histologic lesions were obtained from the reports. In two cases the fungi observed were not identified. The main diseases observed, in descending order of prevalence, were: pythiosis, candidiasis, aspergillosis, zygomycosis, dermatophytosis, mallasseziosis, cryptococcosis, megabacteriosis, and sporothrichosis. Others diseases with only one cases each were histoplasmosis and pneumocystosis. Pythiosis affected mainly horses and the mycosis affected mainly companion animals (dogs and cats).(AU)

Para determinar as principais micoses e oomicoses que acometeram animais domésticos na área de abrangência do Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária (LPV) da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo em 9.487 protocolos de necropsias e 20.199 exames histopatológicos (totalizando 29.686 casos), realizados no LPV-UFSM, entre janeiro de 1990 e dezembro de 2012. Do total de protocolos analisados, 230 apresentaram micoses ou pitiose (oomicose), sendo 179 casos (78%) de micoses e 51 casos (22%) de pitiose. Os protocolos foram revisados para determinar os principais achados referentes à epidemiologia, sinais clínicos e às alterações macroscópicas e microscópicas. Em dois casos (0,8%) não foi possível determinar o gênero ou o grupo do fungo observado. As principais doenças diagnosticadas, em ordem decrescente de prevalência, foram: pitiose, candidíase, aspergilose, zigomicose, dermatofitose, malasseziose, criptococose, megabacteriose e esporotricose. Outras doenças diagnosticadas numa única ocorrência cada foram histoplasmose e pneumocistose. Os equinos foram os mais acometidos pela pitiose e os animais de companhia (cães e gatos) foram os mais acometidos pelas micoses.(AU)