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.

Criptococose nasal causada por Cryptococcus gattii em ovino na Bahia, Nordeste do Brasil / Nasal cryptococcosis caused by Cryptococcus gattii in sheep in Bahia, northeastern Brazil

Background: Cryptococcosis is a potentially fatal systemic mycosis that can affect several animal species. The disease is caused by the yeast species Cryptococcus neoformans and C. gattii and is usually associated with immunosuppressive diseases or debilitating factors. In Brazil, cryptococcosis in ruminants has been described in several states, but there have been only two instances of infection in sheep. Until the present, cryptococcosis caused by C. gattii has only been reported in goats. The objective of this study was to describe, for the first time, a case of nasal cryptococcosis caused by C. gattii in a sheep in the state of Bahia. Case: The disease affected a 4-year-old Santa Inês sheep, created in extensive system in the municipality of Ribeira do Pombal, Bahia, Brazil. The animal presented weight loss, with an asymmetric increase of volume in the right nasal cavity, accompanied by dyspnea and bloody nasal discharge. Samples of the tumor mass were collected for cytological analysis of yeast structures compatible with Cryptococcus spp. After cytological diagnosis, the sheep was sent to the Livestock Development Center of the Federal University of Bahia. On physical examination, there was a large and firm irregular mass, strongly adhering to the right nasal cavity and causing facial asymmetry. Surgical removal was attempted, but a marked infiltrative character of the lesion was observed, with extensive tissue destruction. Owing to the unfavorable prognosis, euthanasia was carried out followed by necropsy, in which a large irregular mass was observed that almost completely obliterated the right nasal cavity. Resorption of the right nasal bone and the dorsal and middle nasal turbinates was also observed. Fragments of the nasal lesion were collected, fixed in 10% formalin, routinely processed for histopathology, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Mayer’s...

Criptococose nasal causada por Cryptococcus gattii em ovino na Bahia, Nordeste do Brasil / Nasal cryptococcosis caused by Cryptococcus gattii in sheep in Bahia, northeastern Brazil

Background: Cryptococcosis is a potentially fatal systemic mycosis that can affect several animal species. The disease is caused by the yeast species Cryptococcus neoformans and C. gattii and is usually associated with immunosuppressive diseases or debilitating factors. In Brazil, cryptococcosis in ruminants has been described in several states, but there have been only two instances of infection in sheep. Until the present, cryptococcosis caused by C. gattii has only been reported in goats. The objective of this study was to describe, for the first time, a case of nasal cryptococcosis caused by C. gattii in a sheep in the state of Bahia. Case: The disease affected a 4-year-old Santa Inês sheep, created in extensive system in the municipality of Ribeira do Pombal, Bahia, Brazil. The animal presented weight loss, with an asymmetric increase of volume in the right nasal cavity, accompanied by dyspnea and bloody nasal discharge. Samples of the tumor mass were collected for cytological analysis of yeast structures compatible with Cryptococcus spp. After cytological diagnosis, the sheep was sent to the Livestock Development Center of the Federal University of Bahia. On physical examination, there was a large and firm irregular mass, strongly adhering to the right nasal cavity and causing facial asymmetry. Surgical removal was attempted, but a marked infiltrative character of the lesion was observed, with extensive tissue destruction. Owing to the unfavorable prognosis, euthanasia was carried out followed by necropsy, in which a large irregular mass was observed that almost completely obliterated the right nasal cavity. Resorption of the right nasal bone and the dorsal and middle nasal turbinates was also observed. Fragments of the nasal lesion were collected, fixed in 10% formalin, routinely processed for histopathology, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Mayers...(AU)

Cats with central nervous system cryptococcosis

Background: Cryptococcosis is a serious fungal infection contracted by humans and animals, and the most common systemic mycosis found in cats. This disease is often contracted through inhalation of fungal propagules. The Central Nervous System (CNS) may be infected through local extension (nasal and frontal sinuses) or via hematogenous route. Similarly to CNS bacterial infection, the clinical signs of neurological dysfunction may be attributed to mass effect (gelatinous mass of fungal microorganisms and fungal granuloma formation) or to a more disseminated inflammatory response to invading microorganisms. The objective of this study is to report one case of a patient with cryptococcal granulomas in the central nervous system and one case of a patient with neurological signs associated to a cryptococcosis. Cases: Case 1. A 3-year-old male mixed breed feline was admitted to a veterinary clinic, located in Porto Alegre, RS, Southern Brazil. The patient presented unsourced behavioral changes, vestibular ataxia and dysphagia caused by inability of coordination. The following tests were performed: complete blood count test, biochemical analysis, computed tomography scan (CT scan), fluid analysis, radiography and toxoplasmosis test. The following medicine were administrated for treatment: fluconazole, dexamethasone, mannitol, phenobarbital and levetiracetam. Fluid therapy was also part of the treatment. Immediately after death, the cat was submitted for necropsy, and a fungal granulomatous meningoencephalomyelitis was diagnosed. Cryptococcus sp. was identified as the causal agent through pathological findings, fungal culture and PCR analysis. Case 2. One year later, another feline was admitted to the same clinic (a 2-year-old female mixed breed) presenting hypersalivation, tremors and excessive vocalization. The patient had contact with the deceased feline. The following tests were performed: complete blood count...

Cats with central nervous system cryptococcosis

Background: Cryptococcosis is a serious fungal infection contracted by humans and animals, and the most common systemic mycosis found in cats. This disease is often contracted through inhalation of fungal propagules. The Central Nervous System (CNS) may be infected through local extension (nasal and frontal sinuses) or via hematogenous route. Similarly to CNS bacterial infection, the clinical signs of neurological dysfunction may be attributed to mass effect (gelatinous mass of fungal microorganisms and fungal granuloma formation) or to a more disseminated inflammatory response to invading microorganisms. The objective of this study is to report one case of a patient with cryptococcal granulomas in the central nervous system and one case of a patient with neurological signs associated to a cryptococcosis. Cases: Case 1. A 3-year-old male mixed breed feline was admitted to a veterinary clinic, located in Porto Alegre, RS, Southern Brazil. The patient presented unsourced behavioral changes, vestibular ataxia and dysphagia caused by inability of coordination. The following tests were performed: complete blood count test, biochemical analysis, computed tomography scan (CT scan), fluid analysis, radiography and toxoplasmosis test. The following medicine were administrated for treatment: fluconazole, dexamethasone, mannitol, phenobarbital and levetiracetam. Fluid therapy was also part of the treatment. Immediately after death, the cat was submitted for necropsy, and a fungal granulomatous meningoencephalomyelitis was diagnosed. Cryptococcus sp. was identified as the causal agent through pathological findings, fungal culture and PCR analysis. Case 2. One year later, another feline was admitted to the same clinic (a 2-year-old female mixed breed) presenting hypersalivation, tremors and excessive vocalization. The patient had contact with the deceased feline. The following tests were performed: complete blood count...(AU)

Caracterização bioquímica e molecular de Cryptococcus spp. isolados de excretas ambientais de pombos (Columba livia domestica) / Biochemical and molecular characterization of Cryptococcus spp. isolates from environmental feces of pigeons (Columba livia domestic)

Os pombos possuem uma rica diversidade de microrganismo, entre eles fungos sapróbios, como do gênero Cryptococcus, que podem atuar como agentes patogênicos para o homem e animais. Objetivou-se o isolamento, a caracterização bioquímica e a molecular de amostras de Cryptococcus spp. de excretas ambientas de pombos. Foram colhidas 100 amostras ambientais de pontos equidistantes e representativos da área da cidade de Araçatuba, São Paulo. As amostras foram rasteladas do solo de vias públicas, armazenadas em frasco coletor e encaminhadas para o Laboratório de Bacteriologia e Micologia da FMVA, onde foram processadas e cultivadas em duplicata, em placas de Petri contendo ágar Sabouraud dextrose a 4% e Niger. Em seguida, foram incubadas à temperatura ambiente e a 30ºC, respectivamente, por um período não inferior a 15 dias. Após a observação diária, as colônias sugestivas para levedura foram reisoladas em ágar Niger e submetidas a testes bioquímicos para posterior caracterização molecular pela técnica da PCR. Como resultado, a caracterização bioquímica e a molecular isolaram 32 colônias leveduriformes, sendo 8% dos cultivos positivos para Cryptococcus neoformans var. neoformans, 17% para Rhodotorula rubidae e 7% Candida albicans. Pelo exposto, concluiu-se que excretas ambientais de pombos constituem um microfoco para Cryptococcus neoformans var. neoformans e outras leveduras com potencial patogênico, representando um risco à saúde pública, sendo necessárias medidas preventivas, como a higienização com a correta remoção das excretas, a fim de minimizar os riscos de exposição ambiental(AU)

Pigeons have a rich diversity of microrganisms, including fungi saprobes such as the genus Cryptococcus that can act as a pathogen for humans and animals. The aim of this was their isolation, biochemical and molecular characterization of samples of Cryptococcus from ambientas avian excreta. One hundred environmental samples,representative of the area equidistant from Araçatuba, São Paulo points were collected. The samples were removed and stored in collection bottles, sent to the Laboratory of Bacteriology and Mycology of FMVA, where they were processed and cultivated in duplicate on Petri dishes containing Sabouraud dextrose 4% and Niger and incubated at room temperature 30° C, respectively, for a period of no less than 15 days. Colonies after daily observation which were suggestive for yeast growth were re-isolated in Niger agar and subjected to biochemical analisis for further molecular characterization by PCR tests. As results, the biochemical and molecular characterization of 32 yeast colonies revealed 8% of cultures positive for Cryptococcus neoformans var. neoformans, 17% Rhodotorula rubidae and 7% Candida albicans. It was concluded that environmental avian excreta are active sites for replication of Cryptococcus neoformans var. neoformans and other yeasts with pathogenic potential. These constitute a public health risk, and preventive measures are necessary, such as cleaning and complete removal of excreta in order to minimize the risk of environmental exposure(AU)

Microbiota fúngica de passeriformes de cativeiro da região noroeste do estado de São Paulo / Microbiota from captive passeriformes of the northwest region of São Paulo / Micoflora de paseriformes de cautiverios de la región noroeste de São Paulo

As aves são hospedeiras de uma rica microbiota fúngica que pode atuar como patógenos para o homem e outras espécies animais, acarretando, consequentemente, graves problemas de saúde pública. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a participação das aves mantidas em criadouros na epidemiologia de doenças infecciosas como a criptococose, e aspergilose, verificando consequentemente a manutenção e propagação de patógenos no meio ambiente. Foram colhidas 36 amostras de excretas de passeriformes e processadas e cultivadas em Agar Sabouraud Dextrose 4% a temperatura ambiente e a 37° C. As colônias fúngicas isoladas foram classificadas de acordo com suas características morfológicas e tintoriais. Posteriormente, aquelas em forma de leveduras foram repicadas em Agar Níger, e incubadas a 30° C. Em uma amostra houve crescimento de mais de um tipo de colônia. Foi verificada a presença de 25,0% de Penicillium spp., 19,4% de Trichosporon spp., 13,9% de C. gattii, 11,1% de C. neoformans, 11,1% de Candida spp., 8,3% de Rhizomucor spp., 8,3% de Aspergillus spp., 2,8% de Nigrospora spp. e 2,8% de Geotrichum spp. Pelo exposto, concluise que os pássaros eliminam continuamente microrganismos patogênicos, em suas fezes atuando de forma definitiva na ecoepidemiologia de doenças infecciosas.(AU)

Birds are hosts for a rich fungal microbiota which can act as potent pathogens for humans and other species of animals, causing thereby serious public health problems. The objective of this study was to evaluate the participation of birds kept in containers in the epidemiology of infectious diseases such as cryptococcosis and aspergillosis, thus verifying the maintenance and spread of pathogens in the environment. 36 samples of excretas of passeriformes were collected and were cultivated in Sabouraud Dextrose Agar 4% at room temperature and 37°C. The isolated fungal colonies were classified according to their morphological and staining characteristics. Subsequently, those in yeast form were peaked in Niger Agar, incubated at 30°C. In one sample showed growth of more than one type of colony and there was verified the presence of 25.0% of Penicillium spp., 19.4% of Trichosporon spp., 13.9% of C. gattii, 11.1% of C. neoformans, 11.1% of Candida spp., 8.3% of Rhizomucor spp., 8.3% of Aspergillus spp., 2.8% of Nigrospora spp. and 2,8% of Geotrichum spp. It can be conluded by the expost that birds shed continuously pathogenic microorganisms in their feces acting in definitive form in the infectious diseases ecoepidemiology.(AU)

Las aves son reservorios de una gran microbiota de hongos que pueden actuar comopatógenos para los seres humanos y otras especies de animales, causando así gravesproblemas de salud pública. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la participación de lasaves que están en cautiverio, como reservorios de enfermedades infecciosas en este caso,criptococosis y aspergilosis, así como, verificar permanencia y propagación de agentespatógenos en el medio ambiente. Se recogieron 36 muestras de excretas de paseriformes yprocesadas y cultivadas en Ágar Sabouraud Dextrosa al 4% e incubadas a una temperaturaambiente de 37°C. Las colonias de hongos aislados fueron clasificados según suscaracterísticas morfológicas y de tinción. Posteriormente, aquellas en forma de levaduras seincubaron a 30 ° C en Agar Níger. En una muestra se registró un crecimiento de más de untipo de colonia. Se encontró la presencia de 25,5% de Penicillium spp., 19,4% deTrichosporon spp., 13,9% de C. gattii, 11,1% de C. neoformans, 11,1% de Candida spp.,8,3% de Rhizomucor spp., 8,3% de Aspergillus spp., 2,8% de Nigrospora spp. y 2,8% deGeotrichum spp. Por lo tanto, concluimos que las aves continuamente eliminanmicroorganismos patógenos en las heces, lo cual es su forma de interactuar en laepidemiología de las enfermedades infecciosas.(AU)

The use of standard methodology for determination of antifungal activity of natural products against medical yeasts Candida sp and Cryptococcus sp

Methodology for testing natural compounds for determination of antifungal activity had been developed with adaptations. The most used are bioautography and agar diffusion with a complex and no defined media. In this study, different methods for determination of antifungal activity of natural products are discussed and the use of M27-A2 microdilution test from CLSI (Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute, 2002), as general standard methodology for testing plant extracts activity is recommended.

Metodologias para determinar atividade antifúngica foram desenvolvidas com adaptações para avaliar produtos naturais. As mais usadas são bioautografia e o método de difusão em agar, que empregam meios de cultura complexos, não definidos. Neste estudo são discutidos os métodos para determinação de atividade antifúngica de produtos naturais e é recomendado o uso do micrométodo modificado segundo o documento M27A2 do CLSI.

Occurrence of Cryptococcus spp and parasites of interest in public health in pigeons excrement in the city of Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil / Ocorrência de Cryptococcus spp e de parasitas de interesse em saúde pública, nos excretas de pombos na cidade de Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil

Pigeons have been considered the reservoirs for infectious agents of public health concern. The deposition of their excreta in public areas can cause environmental contamination, including the food products for human consumption. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the occurrence of Cryptococcus spp and parasites in pigeon excrements. From January to September 2006, sixty eight pools of excreta samples were collected from four public areas of Ribeirão Preto, SP. For detecting Cryptococcus spp, each sample was suspended in saline solution with chloramphenicol, and then cultured on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar plates (SDA) supplemented with chloramphenicol. The cultures were incubated at 30C and daily observed for seven days. Cryptococcus spp-suggestive colonies were streaked on SDA medium for phenotypic identification. For searching the parasites the spontaneous sedimentation and centrifugal fluctuationin zinc sulfate techniques were carried out. Coccidian oocysts were investigated by formalinether concentration and modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining techniques. Cryptococcus spp was found in 75%, and parasites in 32% of the samples, and the concomitant presence of both pathogens has occurred in 25% of total samples. It is emphasized the establishment of strategies for preserving the public areas by reducing the pigeons populations, in order to avoid environment contamin

Os pombos têm sido considerados reservatórios de agentes infecciosos de importância em saúde pública. A deposição de excretas em áreas públicas pode contaminar o meio ambiente e produtos alimentícios. O objetivo deste estudo foi pesquisar a ocorrência de Cryptococcus spp e parasitas em amostras de excretas de pombos. Entre janeiro a setembro de 2006 foram coletadas 68 amostras de pools de excretas depositadas em quatro áreas públicas de Ribeirão Preto, SP. Para pesquisa de Cryptococcus spp, suspensões de cada amostra em solução salina contendo cloranfenicol foram semeadas em Agar Sabouraud Dextrose (ASD) acrescido de cloranfenical com posterior incubação a 30ºC e observação diária por sete dias. As colônias sugestivas de Cryptococcus spp foram repicadas em ASD para identificação fenotípica. Para pesquisa de parasitas, as técnicas de sedimentação espontânea e centrífugoflutuação em sulfato de zinco e de coccídeos, as técnicas de concentração pelo formol-éter e coloração de Ziehl-Neelsen modificado. Foram encontrados Cryptococcus spp em 75% das amostras, parasitas em 32% e a presença concomitante de ambos agentes patogênicos em 25% das amostras. Ressalta-se a necessidade da adoção de medidas efetivas de proteção de áreas públicas, por meio de redução da população de pombos para evitar a contaminação ambiental.

Microbiota fúngica de passeriformes de cativeiro da região noroeste do estado de São Paulo / Microbiota from captive passeriformes of the northwest region of São Paulo / Micoflora de paseriformes de cautiverios de la región noroeste de São Paulo

As aves são hospedeiras de uma rica microbiota fúngica que pode atuar como patógenos para o homem e outras espécies animais, acarretando, consequentemente, graves problemas de saúde pública. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a participação das aves mantidas em criadouros na epidemiologia de doenças infecciosas como a criptococose, e aspergilose, verificando consequentemente a manutenção e propagação de patógenos no meio ambiente. Foram colhidas 36 amostras de excretas de passeriformes e processadas e cultivadas em Agar Sabouraud Dextrose 4% a temperatura ambiente e a 37° C. As colônias fúngicas isoladas foram classificadas de acordo com suas características morfológicas e tintoriais. Posteriormente, aquelas em forma de leveduras foram repicadas em Agar Níger, e incubadas a 30° C. Em uma amostra houve crescimento de mais de um tipo de colônia. Foi verificada a presença de 25,0% de Penicillium spp., 19,4% de Trichosporon spp., 13,9% de C. gattii, 11,1% de C. neoformans, 11,1% de Candida spp., 8,3% de Rhizomucor spp., 8,3% de Aspergillus spp., 2,8% de Nigrospora spp. e 2,8% de Geotrichum spp. Pelo exposto, concluise que os pássaros eliminam continuamente microrganismos patogênicos, em suas fezes atuando de forma definitiva na ecoepidemiologia de doenças infecciosas.

Birds are hosts for a rich fungal microbiota which can act as potent pathogens for humans and other species of animals, causing thereby serious public health problems. The objective of this study was to evaluate the participation of birds kept in containers in the epidemiology of infectious diseases such as cryptococcosis and aspergillosis, thus verifying the maintenance and spread of pathogens in the environment. 36 samples of excretas of passeriformes were collected and were cultivated in Sabouraud Dextrose Agar 4% at room temperature and 37°C. The isolated fungal colonies were classified according to their morphological and staining characteristics. Subsequently, those in yeast form were peaked in Niger Agar, incubated at 30°C. In one sample showed growth of more than one type of colony and there was verified the presence of 25.0% of Penicillium spp., 19.4% of Trichosporon spp., 13.9% of C. gattii, 11.1% of C. neoformans, 11.1% of Candida spp., 8.3% of Rhizomucor spp., 8.3% of Aspergillus spp., 2.8% of Nigrospora spp. and 2,8% of Geotrichum spp. It can be conluded by the expost that birds shed continuously pathogenic microorganisms in their feces acting in definitive form in the infectious diseases ecoepidemiology.

Las aves son reservorios de una gran microbiota de hongos que pueden actuar comopatógenos para los seres humanos y otras especies de animales, causando así gravesproblemas de salud pública. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la participación de lasaves que están en cautiverio, como reservorios de enfermedades infecciosas en este caso,criptococosis y aspergilosis, así como, verificar permanencia y propagación de agentespatógenos en el medio ambiente. Se recogieron 36 muestras de excretas de paseriformes yprocesadas y cultivadas en Ágar Sabouraud Dextrosa al 4% e incubadas a una temperaturaambiente de 37°C. Las colonias de hongos aislados fueron clasificados según suscaracterísticas morfológicas y de tinción. Posteriormente, aquellas en forma de levaduras seincubaron a 30 ° C en Agar Níger. En una muestra se registró un crecimiento de más de untipo de colonia. Se encontró la presencia de 25,5% de Penicillium spp., 19,4% deTrichosporon spp., 13,9% de C. gattii, 11,1% de C. neoformans, 11,1% de Candida spp.,8,3% de Rhizomucor spp., 8,3% de Aspergillus spp., 2,8% de Nigrospora spp. y 2,8% deGeotrichum spp. Por lo tanto, concluimos que las aves continuamente eliminanmicroorganismos patógenos en las heces, lo cual es su forma de interactuar en laepidemiología de las enfermedades infecciosas.