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)

Antifungal activity of liriodenine on agents of systemic mycoses, with emphasis on the genus Paracoccidioides

Endemic systemic mycoses remain a health challenge, since these opportunistic diseases are increasingly infecting immunosuppressed patients. The simultaneous use of antifungal compounds and other drugs to treat infectious or non-infectious diseases has led to several interactions and undesirable effects. Thus, new antifungal compounds should be investigated. The present study aimed to evaluate the activity of liriodenine extracted from Annona macroprophyllata on agents of systemic mycoses, with emphasis on the genus Paracoccidioides. Methods: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicide concentration (MFC) were determined by the microdilution method. The cellular alterations caused by liriodenine on a standard P. brasiliensis (Pb18) strain were evaluated by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Results: Liriodenine was effective only in 3 of the 8 strains of the genus Paracoccidioides and in the Histoplasma capsulatum strain, in a very low concentration (MIC of 1.95 µg.mL-1); on yeasts of Candida spp. (MIC of 125 to 250 µg.mL-1), including C. krusei (250 µg.mL-1), which has intrinsic resistance to fluconazole; and in Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii (MIC of 62.5 µg.mL-1). However, liriodenine was not effective against Aspergillus fumigatus at the studied concentrations. Liriodenine exhibited fungicidal activity against all standard strains and clinical isolates that showed to be susceptible by in vitro tests. Electron microscopy revealed cytoplasmic alterations and damage to the cell wall of P. brasiliensis (Pb18). Conclusion: Our results indicate that liriodenine is a promising fungicidal compound that should undergo further investigation with some chemical modifications.(AU)

Antifungal activity of liriodenine on agents of systemic mycoses, with emphasis on the genus Paracoccidioides

Endemic systemic mycoses remain a health challenge, since these opportunistic diseases are increasingly infecting immunosuppressed patients. The simultaneous use of antifungal compounds and other drugs to treat infectious or non-infectious diseases has led to several interactions and undesirable effects. Thus, new antifungal compounds should be investigated. The present study aimed to evaluate the activity of liriodenine extracted from Annona macroprophyllata on agents of systemic mycoses, with emphasis on the genus Paracoccidioides. Methods: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicide concentration (MFC) were determined by the microdilution method. The cellular alterations caused by liriodenine on a standard P. brasiliensis (Pb18) strain were evaluated by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Results: Liriodenine was effective only in 3 of the 8 strains of the genus Paracoccidioides and in the Histoplasma capsulatum strain, in a very low concentration (MIC of 1.95 µg.mL-1); on yeasts of Candida spp. (MIC of 125 to 250 µg.mL-1), including C. krusei (250 µg.mL-1), which has intrinsic resistance to fluconazole; and in Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii (MIC of 62.5 µg.mL-1). However, liriodenine was not effective against Aspergillus fumigatus at the studied concentrations. Liriodenine exhibited fungicidal activity against all standard strains and clinical isolates that showed to be susceptible by in vitro tests. Electron microscopy revealed cytoplasmic alterations and damage to the cell wall of P. brasiliensis (Pb18). Conclusion: Our results indicate that liriodenine is a promising fungicidal compound that should undergo further investigation with some chemical modifications.(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)

Acute myeloid leukemia in a dog chronically infected with leishmania spp. and other infectious agents / Leucemia mieloide aguda em cão infectado cronicamente por Leishmania spp. e outros agentes infecciosos

Background: Rare studies have described the association of hematopoietic tumors and canine visceral leishmaniosis, however the association between the parasitary disease and neoplasia is still not well established in dogs. Thus, the aim of the present study was to report a case of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in a dog infected by Leishmania spp. and other infectious agents.Case: A 8-year-old, male Poodle, was brought to the Veterinary Hospital from Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido. The dog had a history of recurrent tick-borne diseases, such as anaplasmosis, over the previous ten months. On physical examination, pale mucosa, enlargement of popliteal lymph nodes, onychogryphosis, purulent nasal discharge, and bilateral blepharitis with purulent discharge were observed. The dog was skinny and infested with ticks. The blood cell count revealed normocytic, normochromic anemia and leukocytosis (38.000/mm3 ) with neutrophilia (30.020/mm3 ). Serum biochemical tests demonstrated hyperproteinemia due to hyperglobulinemia, hypoalbuminemia, and an albumin:globulin ratio of 0.30. The immunochromathographic test for leishmaniasis was negative. The alterations observed in the bone marrow cytological analysis were suggestive of AML, and Anaplasma spp., Hepatozoon spp., and amastigote forms of Leishmania spp. were observed inside bone marrow cells. After diagnosis, a decision to euthanize the animal was made.Discussion: Few studies have demonstrated the presence of hematopoietic neoplasia in dogs chronically and simultaneously infected with multiple pathogens. A case of multiple myeloma in a dog associated with infection by Ehrlichia canis, A. phagocytophilum, L. infantum, and Dirofilaria immitis is described. Another study reported B-cell lymphoma in a dog with E. canis and Histoplasma capsulatum infection.[...]

Acute myeloid leukemia in a dog chronically infected with leishmania spp. and other infectious agents / Leucemia mieloide aguda em cão infectado cronicamente por Leishmania spp. e outros agentes infecciosos

Background: Rare studies have described the association of hematopoietic tumors and canine visceral leishmaniosis, however the association between the parasitary disease and neoplasia is still not well established in dogs. Thus, the aim of the present study was to report a case of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in a dog infected by Leishmania spp. and other infectious agents.Case: A 8-year-old, male Poodle, was brought to the Veterinary Hospital from Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido. The dog had a history of recurrent tick-borne diseases, such as anaplasmosis, over the previous ten months. On physical examination, pale mucosa, enlargement of popliteal lymph nodes, onychogryphosis, purulent nasal discharge, and bilateral blepharitis with purulent discharge were observed. The dog was skinny and infested with ticks. The blood cell count revealed normocytic, normochromic anemia and leukocytosis (38.000/mm3 ) with neutrophilia (30.020/mm3 ). Serum biochemical tests demonstrated hyperproteinemia due to hyperglobulinemia, hypoalbuminemia, and an albumin:globulin ratio of 0.30. The immunochromathographic test for leishmaniasis was negative. The alterations observed in the bone marrow cytological analysis were suggestive of AML, and Anaplasma spp., Hepatozoon spp., and amastigote forms of Leishmania spp. were observed inside bone marrow cells. After diagnosis, a decision to euthanize the animal was made.Discussion: Few studies have demonstrated the presence of hematopoietic neoplasia in dogs chronically and simultaneously infected with multiple pathogens. A case of multiple myeloma in a dog associated with infection by Ehrlichia canis, A. phagocytophilum, L. infantum, and Dirofilaria immitis is described. Another study reported B-cell lymphoma in a dog with E. canis and Histoplasma capsulatum infection.[...](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)

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)

Epidemiologia da infecção por Trypanosoma cruzi em ratos silvestres e das infecções por Histoplasma capsulatum e Mycoplasma spp. em pequenos mamíferos silvestres e animais de companhia em áreas de florestas remanescentes na Amazônia Oriental

Trypanosoma cruzi, Histoplasma capsulatum e Mycoplasma spp. são agentes etiológicos de enfermidades importantes tanto para a saúde pública quanto para a saúde animal, no entanto são poucos os estudos sobre esses agentes em mamíferos domésticos e silvestres no bioma Amazônia. Portanto, o presente estudo teve como objetivos detectar a infecção e avaliar as alterações cardíacas causadas por T. cruzi em ratos silvestres no bioma Amazônia e detectar as infecções por H. capsulatum e Mycoplasma spp. em pequenos mamíferos silvestres oriundos de remanescentes florestais periurbanos e em cães e gatos peridomiciliados na Amazônia Oriental. Amostras biológicas foram coletadas de ratos e marsupiais de vida livre capturados em três fragmentos florestais periurbanos. Cães e gatos residentes em comunidades rurais adjacentes a estes fragmentos também foram examinados. Para a detecção de DNA T.cruzi, foi realizada Nested PCR com os iniciadores D71/72 e D75/76 nas amostras de musculatura cardíaca e foram também realizados exames histopatológicos e análise por imuno-histoquímica. Para a detecção de DNA de H. capsulatum, foi realizada Nested PCR com os iniciadores HCI/HCII e HCIII/HCIV e para a detecção de DNA de Mycoplasma spp. foi realizada PCR com os iniciadores HBT-F e HBT-R, sendo alguns produtos sequenciados e submetidos à análise filogenética. DNA de T. cruzi foi detectado em 84,61% (33/39) dos ratos silvestres. Alterações histopatológicas na musculatura cardíaca foram observadas em 34,61% (9/26) dos animais positivos e ninhos de amastigotas foram marcados na imunohistoquímica em tecido de um exemplar de H. megacephalus. DNA de H. capsulatum foi detectado em 9,5% (12/126) dos pequenos mamíferos silvestres e os ratos apresentaram uma maior frequência de animais positivos 25,6% (10/39) quando comparado com os marsupiais 2,3% (2/87). A frequência de animais de companhia positivos foi de 2,2% (3/139), sendo 1,6% (2/121) para os cães e 5,5% (1/18) para os gatos. DNA de Mycoplasma spp. foi detectado em 18,7% (6/28) dos ratos, em 13% (9/69) dos marsupiais, 28,4% (37/130) dos cães e em 28,6% (6/21) dos gatos examinados. Infecções por Mycoplasma haemomuris em ratos das espécies Hylaeamys megacephalus, Neacomys sp. nov. e Proechimys cuvieri e Mycoplasma sp. em Marmosa murina e Marmosops cf. pinheiroi são relatadas pela primeira vez no Brasil. Conclui-se que a infecção por T. cruzi pode causar lesões cardíacas em ratos silvestres das espécies P. cuvieri, H. megacephalus, Neacomys sp. nov. e Oecomys paricola. Ratos, marsupiais, cães e gatos podem ser infectados por H. capsulatum e por diferentes espécies de micoplasmas hemotrópicos no bioma Amazônia.

Trypanosoma cruzi, Histoplasma capsulatum and Mycoplasma spp. are etiological agents of diseases important for public and animal health. However, there are few studies about these agents in domestic and wild mammals in the Amazon biome. Therefore, the present study aimed to detect the infection and to evaluate the cardiac changes caused by T. cruzi in wild rats in the Amazon biome and to detect infections by H. capsulatum and Mycoplasma spp. in small wild mammals from peri-urban forest remnants and dogs and cats reared in peridomicile in the Eastern Amazon. Biological samples were collected from free-living rats and marsupials captured in three peri-urban forest fragments. Dogs and cats residing in rural communities adjacent to these fragments were also examined. For detection of T. cruzi DNA on cardiac musculature of wild rats a nested-PCR using the primers D71/72 and D75/76 was performed, histopathological exams, and immunohistochemistry analysis were also made. For the detection of H. capsulatum DNA was performed a nested-PCR with the primers HCI/HCII and HCIII/HCIV and for the detection of Mycoplasma spp. DNA was performed a PCR with the HBT-F and HBT-R primers, being some products sequenced and submitted to phylogenetic analysis. T. cruzi DNA was detected in 84.61% (33/39) of wild rats. Histopathological changes in cardiac musculature were observed in 34.61% (9/26) of positive animals, and amastigote nests were marked by immunohistochemistry in tissue of one specimen of H. megacephalus. H. capsulatum DNA was detected in 9.5% (12/126) of small wild mammals and rats showed a higher frequency of positive animals 25.6% (10/39) when compared to marsupials 2.3% (2/87). The frequency of positive domestic animals was 2.2% (3/139), being 1.6% (2/121) for dogs and 5.5% (1/18) for cats. Mycoplasma spp. DNA was detected in 18.7% (6/28) of rats, in 13% (9/69) of marsupials, 28.4% (37/130) of dogs, and 28.6% (6/21) of cats examined. Mycoplasma haemomuris infections in rats of the species Hylaeamys megacephalus, Neacomys sp. nov. and Proechimys cuvieri and Mycoplasma sp. in Marmosa murina and Marmosops cf. pinheiroi are reported for the first time in Brazil. It was concluded that T. cruzi infection can cause cardiac lesions in wild rats of the species P. cuvieri, H. megacephalus, Neacomys sp. nov. and Oecomys paricola. Rats, marsupials, dogs and cats can be infected by H. capsulatum and different species of hemotropic mycoplasmas in the Amazon biome.

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