Resumo

Cryptococcosis is a systemic mycosis caused by the genus Cryptococcus that affects humans and animals. The present study aimed to describe the epidemiological and anatomopathological profiles, occurrence, and distribution of the infection by Cryptococcus spp. in 30 dogs and 110 cats residing in the State of São Paulo, from 2014 to 2020. The study evaluated the results from 140 necropsies and histopathology and cytopathology tests provided by Veterinary Pathology services. A higher occurrence of positive diagnosis was observed in females of both cats and dogs, adults, and mixed breeds of both species. The main diagnostic method used was histopathology, with a predominance of integumentary lesions in dogs and cats (skin pattern), with no significant difference between species and lesion location (p≤ 0.827). The time-spatial distribution showed a significant increase in the diagnoses in dogs and cats over the seven years, the identification of areas with a higher rate of diagnosis of cryptococcosis such as Campinas and São José do Rio Preto, and the positive correlation of a diagnosis with climatic data. Retrospective studies of anatomopathological data help to identify suspected cases of cryptococcosis and demonstrate the importance of monitoring and surveillance of cryptococcosis.

A criptococose é uma micose sistêmica causada pelo gênero Cryptococcus, que acomete humanos e animais. O presente trabalho teve por objetivo descrever o perfil epidemiológico e anatomopatológico, a ocorrência e a distribuição da infecção em 30 cães e 110 gatos residentes no estado de São Paulo, no período de 2014 a 2020. O estudo avaliou 140 registros de necropsia e de exames histopatológicos e citopatológicos fornecidos por serviços de patologia veterinária. Os resultados apontaram maior positividade em fêmeas felinas e caninas, adultos e sem raça definida. O principal método de diagnóstico empregado foi o histopatológico, com predomínio de lesões tegumentares em cães e gatos (padrão cutâneo), não havendo diferença significativa entre espécie e localização da lesão (P≤ 0,827). A distribuição tempo-espacial demonstrou o aumento significativo de diagnósticos positivos em cães e gatos ao longo dos setes anos, a identificação de áreas com maior número de diagnósticos positivos, como Campinas e São José do Rio Preto, e a correlação positiva com os dados climáticos dos municípios. Estudos retrospectivos de dados anatomopatológicos auxiliam na identificação de casos suspeitos e demonstram a importância do monitoramento e da vigilância da criptococose.

Resumo

Cryptococcosis is a fungal infection that commonly affects dogs and cats, often manifesting with neurological involvement. This study investigated the neuropathological characteristics of cryptococcosis in nine cats and two dogs submitted to necropsy through gross pathology and histopathological analysis. Clinical history, lesion location, fungal burden, type and intensity of inflammatory infiltrate, lesions in nervous parenchyma, and morphological characteristics of yeast cells were evaluated. Additionally, fungal morphological criteria, such as capsule and yeast wall thickness and budding frequency, were analyzed in each neurolocation. The Alcian blue stain method was utilized to enhance the visualization of yeasts. Debilitating and/or immunosuppressive conditions were described in five cases. Two cats were recently adopted from the streets, and one cat was treated with corticosteroids. One dog had severe cachexia and generalized weakness, and another dog had leukopenia with left shift. Only six cases (54%) had neurological signs. Gross central nervous system (CNS) lesions were found in five cases and appeared as irregular, friable, soft, gelatinous, and grayish masses with distinct borders. The telencephalic cortex and the cerebellum were the most frequently affected CNS locations observed in all cases. The first exhibited a higher fungal burden and a milder inflammatory response than other neurolocations. The cerebellum was also affected in all cases but showed a slightly higher inflammatory response and a lower fungal burden compared to the telencephalic cortices. Additionally, lung involvement was observed in all cases as well. The inflammatory intensity associated with the yeasts in the CNS was predominantly mild to moderate, being severe only in two cases, and the fungal burden was more often moderate or severe, being mild in only two cases. The observed heterogeneity in the inflammatory response and fungal burden reveals the complex nature of this infection. Other affected nervous tissues were the optic nerve, the spinal cord nerve roots and the ganglia, mostly in cats. In conclusion, our study shows the neuropathological features of cryptococcosis in a case series in cats and dogs, emphasizing the importance of considering specific neurolocations to diagnose this fungal infection and contributing to a better understanding of the simultaneous involvement of the respiratory and nervous systems.

A criptococose é uma infecção fúngica que comumente afeta cães e gatos, muitas vezes se manifestando com envolvimento neurológico. Neste estudo, foram investigadas as características neuropatológicas da criptococose em nove gatos e dois cães submetidos à necropsia, por meio da análise macroscópica e histopatológica. Foi avaliada a história clínica, localização das lesões, carga fúngica, tipo e intensidade do infiltrado inflamatório, lesões no parênquima nervoso e características morfológicas das células de levedura. Além disso, critérios morfológicos fúngicos, como espessura da cápsula e parede da levedura e frequência de brotamento, foram analisados em cada neurolocalização. Para aprimorar a visualização das leveduras, foi utilizada a técnica de coloração de azul alciano. Condições debilitantes e/ou imunossupressoras foram detectadas em cinco casos. Condições debilitantes e/ou imunossupressoras foram descritas em cinco casos. Dois gatos foram recentemente adotados das ruas e um gato foi tratado com corticosteroides. Um cão apresentava caquexia grave e fraqueza generalizada e outro cão apresentava leucopenia com desvio à esquerda. Apenas seis casos (54%) apresentaram sinais neurológicos. Lesões macroscópicas no sistema nervoso central (SNC) foram encontradas em cinco casos, aparecendo como massas irregulares, friáveis, moles, gelatinosas e acinzentadas, com bordas distintas. O córtex telencefálico e o cerebelo foram as localizações do SNC mais frequentemente afetadas, observadas em todos os casos. O córtex apresentou uma carga fúngica mais elevada e uma resposta inflamatória mais branda em comparação com outras neurolocalizações. O cerebelo também foi afetado em todos os casos, apresentando uma resposta inflamatória um pouco mais elevada e carga fúngica mais baixa do que o córtex telencefálico. Além disso, o envolvimento pulmonar também foi observado em todos os casos. A intensidade inflamatória associada às leveduras no SNC, foi predominantemente leve a moderada, sendo grave apenas em dois casos, e a carga fúngica foi mais frequentemente moderada ou grave, sendo leve em apenas dois casos. A heterogeneidade observada na resposta inflamatória e carga fúngica revela a natureza complexa dessa infecção. Outros tecidos nervosos afetados foram o nervo óptico e as raízes e gânglios nervosos da medula espinhal, principalmente em gatos. Em conclusão, nosso estudo mostra as características neuropatológicas da criptococose em uma série de casos em gatos e cães, enfatizando a importância de considerar neurolocalizações específicas para o diagnóstico dessa infecção fúngica. Além disso, contribui para uma melhor compreensão do envolvimento simultâneo dos sistemas respiratório e nervoso.

Resumo

The African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) is becoming increasingly common in zoological collection and as pets, increasing the risk of disease transmission. Here, we describe a case of cryptococcosis caused by Cryptococcus gattii in a captive African pygmy hedgehog and the other anatomopathological findings. The macroscopic analysis of the lung found white-yellowish masses of gelatinous consistency. The microscopic analysis of the lung revealed severe pulmonary involvement resulting from granulomatous pneumonia caused by C. gattii yeasts, identified through polymerase chain reaction and sequencing. Other histopathological findings included hepatic steatosis, biliary hyperplasia, and renal lesions with deposition of hyaline cylinders in the lumen of tubular epithelial cells, glomerulopathy, and tubular necrosis. Our findings demonstrate the importance of anatomopathological studies in diagnosing relevant diseases in the context of one health. We emphasize that adequate environmental management is essential to avoid the emergence of certain diseases in captivity.(AU)

Resumo

Cryptococcosis is an important systemic mycosis with worldwide distribution that affects men and also domestic and wild animals. The infection is acquired by inhalation of the fungus or basidiospores present in the environment and may manifest as localized nasal or ocular injury, pulmonary illness or, less commonly, as meningoencephalomyelitis. Long-term treatment is necessary, and the prognosis is reserved. This paper aims to report a case of invasive cryptococcosis in a domestic cat that was presented with neurological signs. It is intended to emphasize the systemic nature of the infection and its possible routes of infection, reinforcing the importance of investigating this disease as a differential diagnosis of clinical manifestations with neurological involvement in cats.

A criptococose é uma importante micose sistêmica de distribuição mundial, que acomete homens, animais domésticos e silvestres. A infecção é adquirida pela inalação do fungo ou de basidiósporos presentes no ambiente e pode manifestar-se por lesão nasal ou ocular localizada, por comprometimento pulmonar, ou, menos comumente, como meningoencefalomielite. O diagnóstico definitivo nos casos neurológicos é desafiador, assim como seu tratamento. Este trabalho tem como objetivo relatar um caso de meningoencefalomielite e pneumonia por criptococose diagnosticado por meio de histopatologia, em um felino doméstico. Pretende-se enfatizar o caráter sistêmico da infecção e suas possíveis vias de infecção, reforçando a importância da investigação dessa doença como diagnóstico diferencial de manifestações clínicas com envolvimento neurológico em gatos.

Resumo

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.

Resumo

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)

Resumo

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.

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.

Resumo

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)

Resumo

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)

Resumo

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...

Resumo

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.

Resumo

Background: The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of healthy cats presents up to 5 cells/µL, with predominance of mononuclear cells and the presence of more than 1% eosinophils is rare and should always be considered an abnormal finding. There is no consensus on the term eosinophilic pleocytosis, as it is used to indicate the presence of more than 10 eosinophils/µL or more than 10% of the total leukocytes. The increase in eosinophils in the CSF may result from infectious, inflammatory, neoplastic and idiopathic diseases. The objective of this paper is to report a case of marked pleocytosis in CSF, with 84% eosinophils, probably due to toxoplasmosis, in a cat with paraparesis and diffuse spinal pain. Case: A mixed breed female cat, neutered, adult and domiciled in a rural area was presented due to gait abnormalities in the pelvic limbs that started one day before presentation. The general physical examination was unremarkable. On neurological examination it was observed asymmetric deficit of postural reactions in pelvic limbs, patellar reflex normal to increased and pain elicited on palpation of the thoracic and lumbar spine. Based on these findings, the neurological syndrome was classified as thoracolumbar, but with diffuse pain, and the main differential diagnoses were inflammatory/ infectious and neoplastic diseases. The leukogram showed eosinophilia and the serum biochemistry showed no significant changes. Serological assays for feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukemia virus were negative. Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) identified marked pleocytosis with 84% eosinophils and increase in protein concentration. Myelography showed no compressive or expansive changes. Fungal culture for CSF cryptococcosis was negative. Serum immunofluorescence antibody titer for Toxoplasma gondii (IgG) was 1:256. There was a marked improvement after treatment with sulfametoxazole/trimethoprim and pyrimethamine and after 3 weeks of treatment, there was almost complete recovery of neurological signs and after 9 months the cat was neurologically normal. Discussion: The most common causes of acute-onset thoracolumbar spinal cord syndrome in cats, with diffuse pain on spinal palpation, are meningomyelitis of inflammatory/infectious origin, such as feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) and neoplasms such as lymphoma. Other meningomyelitis of inflammatory origin, such as infectious and immune-mediated meningomyelitis of unknown origin are considered uncommon in cats. Although the clinical, systemic and neurological signs of FIP and toxoplasmosis may have similarities, in the present case FIP was not considered responsible for the observed signs, as the evolution of the case and the analysis of the CSF tend to be different. The peripheral eosinophilia, the cytological analysis of the CSF, characterized by marked eosinophilic pleocytosis, associated with a positive titer for toxoplasmosis, good response to treatment and improvement in the neurological condition, with survival for more than 9 months after treatment, rules out the possibility of FIP. Neurological signs observed in the absence of systemic signs are more common in cases of protozoan reactivation, which probably occurred in the present case. The possibility of toxoplasmosis in the patient in this report was reinforced by the fact that the animal came from a rural area. Eosinophilia of CSF is most commonly associated with parasitic infections, although it can be caused by a variety of infectious agents, but in the cat of the present report, the marked eosinophilic pleocytosis was likely due to toxoplasmosis, which is a rare occurrence in this specie. In conclusion, toxoplasmosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of focal spinal cord lesions in cats. The identification of laboratory findings as well as the appropriate therapy favored the good evolution of the condition.

Resumo

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.

Resumo

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...

Resumo

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...

Resumo

Background: Cryptococcosis is a mycosis that primarily affects domestic cats and is caused by fungi of the genus Cryptococcus, resulting in cutaneous, ocular, respiratory, and neurological manifestations. Diagnosis is based on the microscopicevaluation of the lesions and isolation of the causative agent. The aim of this study was to describe a case of feline cryptococcosis diagnosed by cytology and treated at the Veterinary Hospital of the State University of Santa Cruz (HV-UESC).Case: A 5-year-old uncastrated male cat was taken to the HV-UESC small animal clinic, owing to a gradual increase inthe volume of the nasal plane spanning over a year, accompanied by respiratory distress. Upon physical examination, theanimal was found to have regular nutritional status, dehydration, hypocorous mucosae, and enlarged popliteal lymph nodes.In addition, multifocal areas of ulceration on the body as well as increased volume in the nasal plane (clown nose) wereobserved. Peripheral blood samples were collected for complete blood count and biochemical analysis. Due to clinicalsuspicion of fungal lesions, fine needle aspiration of the nasal lesion was performed and cytological slides were sent tothe HV-UESC histopathology laboratory. Probable diagnoses included rhinosporidiosis, cryptococcosis, and histoplasmosis. The animal was subjected to thoracic radiography in the imaging division of the HV-UESC. Blood counts revealedthrombocytopenia (130,000/mm3) and biochemical tests presented hypoproteinemia (3.2 g/dL), with hypoalbuminemia(1.52 g/dL); however, chest radiography did not show pulmonary alterations. Results of cytological analysis indicatedpyogranulomatous inflammation associated with intracellular organisms, demonstrating a pathogen morphology similarto that of Cryptococcus spp. Before the diagnosis, itraconazole1 5 mg/kg (1 capsule, twice a day for 30 days) and fipronil2(1 ampoule 0.5 mL, on the back) were prescribed...

Resumo

A criptococose é uma doença fúngica infecciosa, tegumentar e/ou sistêmica, crônica, de distribuição global, causada por levedura sa-próbia do gênero Cryptococcus que pode infectar humanos, animais silvestres e mamíferos domésticos, especialmente felinos domésticos. Duas espécies estão mais diretamente envolvidas com a doença: o Cryptococcus neoformans e o Cryptococus gattii, porém pacientes imunocomprometidos têm, como principal causador, o Cryptococcus neoformans. Todavia, O Cryptococcus gattii, além de afetar hospedei-ros imunossuprimidos, também pode causar a doença em indivíduos imunocompetentes. Este relato apresenta os achados clínicos e o diagnóstico firmado com o exame histopatológico de um caso de pneumonia e leptomeningite criptocócica em um felino, macho, sem raça definida, de cinco anos de idade, atendido no Hospital Veterinário “Dr. Vicente Borelli” – do Centro Universitário da Fundação de Ensino Octávio Bastos (Unifeob).

Cryptococcosis is a chronic, global, infectious, integumentary and/or systemic fungal disease caused by yeast from the genus Cryptococcus that can infect humans, wild animals and domestic mammals, especially domestic cats. Two species are most directly involved with the disease Cryptococcus neoformansand Cryptococcus gattii, but immunocompromised patients have, as the main cause, Cryptococcus neoformans. However, Cryptococcus gattii, despite affecting immunosuppressed hosts, can also cause disease in immunocompetent individuals. The present report presents the clinical findings and the diagnosis confirmed through the histopathological examination of a cryptococcal pneumonia and leptomeningitis case observed in a male feline, undefined breed, five-year-old, treated at the Veterinary Hospital “Dr. Vicente Borreli”– do Centro Universitário da Fundação de Ensino Octávio Bastos (Unifeob).

Resumo

A criptococose é uma doença infecciosa fúngica causada por uma levedura, da espécie Cryptococcus neoformans. Acomete diferentes espécies de animais e também o homem. O presente trabalho tem como por objetivo relatar um caso de criptococose em uma gata atendida na Clínica Veterinária da UNIFAI, com sinais clínicos de dispneia, espirros, secreção nasal bilateral, deformidade nasal com aumento de volume no plano nasal e úlceras no focinho. Foi realizado exame citológico onde foi observado processo inflamatório com presença de macrófagos e neutrófilos, além de estruturas leveduriformes com paredes espessas de formato redondo a oval caracterizando-se como cryptococcus neofarmans. No exame radiográfico foi observado aumento de volume em região de focinho sem alteração de radiopacidade indicando possível granuloma. Através da anamnese, exame físico, exame citológico, foi diagnosticado Criptococose. O tratamento indicado foi administração via oral de Itraconazol 50mg a cada 24 horas durante 60 dias.

Cryptococcosis is a fungal infectious disease caused by a yeast of the species Cryptococcus neoformans. It is the most common systemic mycosis in cats. The present study has the objective to report a case of cryptococcosis in a cat treated at the Veterinary Clinic of UNIFAI, with clinical signs of dyspnea, sneezing, secretion in the nostrils, nasal deformity with increased, volume and ulcers on the muzzle. Was performed the cytology examination where an inflammatory process was observed with presence of macrophages and neutrophils, as well as leveduriform structures with thick walls of round to oval shape, characterized as cryptococcus neofarmans. In the radiographic examination, a volume increase was observed in the region of muzzle without alteration of radiopacity indicating possible granuloma. Through the anamnesis, physical examination, cytological examination, Cryptococcosis was diagnosed. The indicated treatment was oral administration of Itraconazole 50mg every 24 hours for 60 days.

Resumo

Background: Cryptococcosis is an important zoonotic disease that occurs worldwide. The disease is caused by a soilborne opportunistic fungus of the genus Cryptococcus, which can also be found in the feces of birds, especially pigeons. In Brazil, the geographical distribution of the agent is fairly defined, with the species C. gattii predominantly found in the north-eastern states. Diagnosis is based on the clinical history, physical examination findings, and results of complementary testing, such as cytopathological and histopathological examinations. This report aims to describe the clinical and anatomopathological findings in a case of systemic cryptococcosis in a dog.Case: A 4-year-old female Miniature Schnauzer was referred for necropsy. For 3 months prior to death, the dog had displayed generalized alopecia, pruritus, and severe weight loss, Initially, a private veterinarian had suspected leishmaniasis. Gross examination was performed and samples for cytopathology, histopathology, and fungal culture were obtained. The macroscopic examination revealed generalized alopecia, congested mucosa, cachexia, hyperemia of the brain, and multiple white nodules measuring 0.5 cm to 4 cm in the lungs and the kidneys. None of the other organs showed significant lesions. Cytopathological examination of the nodules revealed a highly cellular sample, with a severe chronic inflammatory response, characterized by multinucleated giant cells and round-to-elliptical, yeast-shaped structures (5-10 µm), suggestive of Cryptococcus organisms. Histopathological examination of the lungs, kidneys, and brain revealed a severe diffuse chronic inflammatory process, with lymphocytic infiltration and multinucleated giant cells; countless yeast-shaped, round-to-ovoid structures (similar in appearance to “soap bubbles”) that were negative in hematoxylin-eosin stain were also present.[...]

Resumo

Fungal pneumonia has been a differential diagnosis in dogs and cats with pulmonary clinical signs, posting also a public health risk to respective owners. Since a common-source environmental exposure may result in infection, dogs and cats may also act as sentinels for both animal and human disease. Accordingly, the present study has aimed to evaluate the occurrence of fungal pneumonia in dogs and cats with pulmonary clinical signs from May 2013 to February 2015 in southern Brazil. Thoracic radiographs, blood work and non-bronchoscopic Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL), followed by cytology and microbiologic analysis were performed in all animals. One dog was positive in the BAL fluid culture for a pathogenic fungus (Cryptococcus neoformans) and another dog to an opportunistic fungus (Candida parapsilosis). Both dogs have presented cough as the prior clinical sign and showed thoracic radiographic changes. In conclusion, the occurrence of fungal pneumonia in southern Brazil in dogs and cats through of this study was relatively low. The BAL fluid culture may allow diagnosis of fungal pneumonia caused by opportunistic or pathogenic fungi and this diagnosis should be a concern in dogs and cats with pulmonary clinical signs.(AU)

Pneumonia fúngica tem sido um diagnóstico diferencial em cães e gatos com sinais clínicos pulmonares, sendo também um risco de saúde pública para seus respectivos proprietários. Uma vez que uma fonte comum de exposição ambiental pode resultar em infecção, cães e gatos podem agir como sentinelas da doença para ambos, pessoas e animais. Assim, o presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a ocorrência de pneumonia fúngica em cães e gatos com sinais clínicos pulmonares, de maio de 2013 a fevereiro 2015 no sul do Brasil. Radiografias torácicas, exame de sangue e lavado broncoalveolar (LBA) não broncoscópico seguido de análise citológica e microbiológica foram realizados em todos os animais. Um cão foi positivo na cultura do fluido do LBA para um fungo patogênico (Cryptococcus neoformans) e outro cão para um fungo oportunista (Candida parapsilosis). Ambos os cães apresentaram tosse como sinal clínico principal e alterações radiológicas torácicas. Em conclusão, a ocorrência de pneumonia fúngica no sul do Brasil em cães e gatos por meio deste estudo foi relativamente baixa. A cultura do LBA pode possibilitar o diagnóstico de pneumonia fúngica causada por fungos oportunistas ou patogênicos e este diagnóstico diferencial deve ser uma preocupação em cães e gatos com sinais clínicos pulmonares.(AU)