Gastrointestinal colonization by Diutina (Candida) rugosa in a 6-year-old Siberian Husky.

A 6-year-old 21.5 kg castrated male Siberian Husky was presented for acute onset of lethargy, vomiting, hemorrhagic diarrhea, and inappetence. Physical examination revealed marked discomfort upon abdominal palpation and 5%-7% dehydration. The CBC and biochemical profile revealed changes consistent with mild to moderate inflammation, dehydration, and gastrointestinal (GI) disease. Despite aggressive gastrointestinal support, anorexia persisted, and an upper GI endoscopy was performed in conjunction with esophagostomy tube placement. Endoscopy revealed abnormal gastric mucosa characterized by moderately well-demarcated areas of blue-black discoloration. Impression smears of a gastric biopsy revealed abundant extracellular yeasts with morphology most consistent with Candida spp. and frequent extracellular cocci. Similar yeast and bacteria, in lower numbers, were observed on cytologic analysis of a direct smear of the rectal mucosa. A rectal swab submitted for fungal culture yielded pure growth of fungal yeasts identified as Diutina (formerly Candida) rugosa by matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The dog's clinical signs improved with fluconazole, and he was discharged. Follow-up fungal culture of a rectal swab showed no growth of D. rugosa. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first case report that describes the clinical, hematologic, cytologic, and gross findings of enteric colonization by D. rugosa in a dog.

Perspective on receptor-associated immune response to Candida albicans single and mixed infections: Implications for therapeutics in oropharyngeal candidiasis.

Oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC), commonly known as 'thrush', is an oral infection that usually dismantles oral mucosal integrity and malfunctions local innate and adaptive immunities in compromised individuals. The major pathogen responsible for the occurrence and progression of OPC is the dimorphic opportunistic commensal Candida albicans. However, the incidence induced by non-albicans Candida species including C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, C. dubliniensis, C. parapsilosis, and C. krusei are increasing in company with several oral bacteria, such as Streptococcus mutans, S. gordonii, S. epidermidis, and S. aureus. In this review, the microbiological and infection features of C. albicans and its co-contributors in the pathogenesis of OPC are outlined. Since the invasion and concomitant immune response lie firstly on the recognition of oral pathogens through diverse cellular surface receptors, we subsequently emphasize the roles of epidermal growth factor receptor, ephrin-type receptor 2, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, and aryl hydrocarbon receptor located on oral epithelial cells to delineate the underlying mechanism by which host immune recognition to oral pathogens is mediated. Based on these observations, the therapeutic approaches to OPC comprising conventional and non-conventional antifungal agents, fungal vaccines, cytokine and antibody therapies, and antimicrobial peptide therapy are finally overviewed. In the face of newly emerging life-threatening microbes (C. auris and SARS-CoV-2), risks (biofilm formation and interconnected translocation among diverse organs), and complicated clinical settings (HIV and oropharyngeal cancer), the research on OPC is still a challenging task.

This review aims to discuss the roles of Candida albicans single- and co-infections with non-albicans Candida species or oral bacteria as well as the receptor-mediated immune response in the pathogenesis of oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC). Current therapeutic approaches are also emphasized for OPC treatment.

Atypical Candidiasis of the Gnathotheca in a Lesser Flamingo (Phoeniconaias minor).

An approximately 38-year-old captive male lesser flamingo (Phoeniconaias minor) was presented with a mass involving the right ventral gnathotheca. The mass was surgically excised after which the flamingo was treated with parenteral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory and antibiotic drugs. Histological analysis identified an abscess with intralesional fungal organisms. Culture and polymerase chain reaction sequencing identified the fungal organisms within the lesion as Candida albicans. Treatment with oral itraconazole was initiated 23 days after initial surgical excision; however, the flamingo continued to lose weight while being treated, and died after 10 days of antifungal therapy. Necropsy, histologic examination, and culture confirmed the persistence of a mycotic abscess that infiltrated the mandibular bone and was associated with C albicans.

Fungal balls detected using ultrasonography in the urinary bladder of a dog.

A 9-year-old dog was presented with hematuria and urinary incontinence. Ultrasonography revealed multiple mobile echogenic ball-shaped structures without distal acoustic shadowing within the lumen. A cystocentesis was performed and a urinalysis of the urine revealed fungus. Candida albicans was identified using an additional urine culture. The patient was finally diagnosed with fungal cystitis with mobile fungal balls and managed with Itraconazole. Follow-up ultrasonography demonstrated the resolution of cystitis without fungal balls. Our findings suggest that fungal balls should be considered as a differential diagnosis when echogenic mobile ball-shaped structures are identified in the urinary bladder of a diabetic or immunocompromised patient.

Recurrent polyp formation with Candida tropicalis infection and otitis in a dog.

To describe a case of a recurrent Candida tropicalis otitis externa, media and interna in a dog with an ear polyp. A 9-year-old Irish Setter was presented with 2 episodes of otitis sinistra, left-sided vestibular syndrome and Horner syndrome 7 months apart. At the first episode a benign ear polyp was extracted and Candida tropicalis cultured from the left middle ear. The neurological signs disappeared within 7 days, the Candida infection was more difficult to treat. Seven months later, a polyp was found in the ear again and cytology was consistent with Candida tropicalis. A unilateral left total ear canal ablation with lateral bulla osteotomy was performed and a middle ear culture confirmed Candida tropicalis. Treatment led to resolution of clinical signs. Candida tropicalis, an emerging pathogen, should be considered in cases of recurrent yeast otitis and may be difficult to treat.

Gastrointestinal Disease Associated with Non-albicans Candida Species in Six Birds.

A non-albicans Candida species was identified in 6 birds exhibiting clinical signs associated with gastrointestinal disease. The clinical disease signs noted in these 6 birds included diarrhea, regurgitation, and melena, and were considered concurrent or identified secondary to other comorbidities. Candida glabrata was identified in a yellow-naped Amazon parrot (Amazona auropalliata), a ring-necked dove (Streptopelia capicola), a blue-and-gold macaw (Ara ararauna), and 2 cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus). Candida krusei was identified in a white-crowned parrot (Pionus senilis). Fungal culture and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry identification was correlated with results of fecal and/or crop Gram's stains, and DNA sequencing was used in one case. Three cases resolved after treatment, 2 birds died, and 1 was lost to follow-up. Non-albicans Candida infections are an emerging issue in human health care and are known to have an increased resistance to antifungal drugs. Similar to Candida albicans, these non-albicans Candida species are often identified in patients that have a history of prior antibiotic exposure. Recent data in human medicine describe a shift in species distribution away from C albicans dominance and toward other species, including C glabrata and C krusei. Both species are considered normal flora within the human and bird mycobiota and may emerge to cause disease, especially when the normal gastrointestinal environment has been disrupted.

The Fungal Histone Acetyl Transferase Gcn5 Controls Virulence of the Human Pathogen Candida albicans through Multiple Pathways.

Fungal virulence is regulated by a tight interplay of transcriptional control and chromatin remodelling. Despite compelling evidence that lysine acetylation modulates virulence of pathogenic fungi such as Candida albicans, the underlying mechanisms have remained largely unexplored. We report here that Gcn5, a paradigm lysyl-acetyl transferase (KAT) modifying both histone and non-histone targets, controls fungal morphogenesis - a key virulence factor of C. albicans. Our data show that genetic removal of GCN5 abrogates fungal virulence in mice, suggesting strongly diminished fungal fitness in vivo. This may at least in part arise from increased susceptibility to killing by macrophages, as well as by other phagocytes such as neutrophils or monocytes. Loss of GCN5 also causes hypersensitivity to the fungicidal drug caspofungin. Caspofungin hypersusceptibility requires the master regulator Efg1, working in concert with Gcn5. Moreover, Gcn5 regulates multiple independent pathways, including adhesion, cell wall-mediated MAP kinase signaling, hypersensitivity to host-derived oxidative stress, and regulation of the Fks1 glucan synthase, all of which play critical roles in virulence and antifungal susceptibility. Hence, Gcn5 regulates fungal virulence through multiple mechanisms, suggesting that specific inhibition of Gcn5 could offer new therapeutic strategies to combat invasive fungal infections.

Assessment of environmental and occupational exposure while working with multidrug resistant (MDR) fungus Candida auris in an animal facility.

In less than a decade since its identification in 2009, the emerging fungal pathogen Candida auris has become a major public health threat due to its multidrug resistant (MDR) phenotype, high transmissibility, and high mortality. Unlike other Candida species, C. auris has acquired high levels of resistance to an already limited arsenal of antifungals. As an emerging pathogen, there are currently a limited number of documented murine models of C. auris infection. These animal models use inoculums as high as 107-108 cells per mouse, and the environmental and occupational exposure of working with these models has not been clearly defined. Using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and culture, we monitored the animal holding room as well as the procedure room for up to 6 months while working with an intravenous model of C. auris infection. This study determined that shedding of the organism is dose-dependent, as detectable levels of C. auris were detected in the cage bedding when mice were infected with 107 and 108 cells, but not with doses of 105 and 106 cells. Autoclaving bedding in closed micro-isolator cages was found to be an effective way to minimize exposure for animal caretakers. We found that tissue necropsies of infected mice were also an important source of potential source exposure to C. auris. To mitigate these potential exposures, we implemented a rigorous "buddy system" workflow and a disinfection protocol that uses 10% bleach followed by 70% ethanol and can be used in any animal facility when using small animal models of C. auris infection.

Risk factors for Candida urinary tract infections in dogs and cats.

BACKGROUND: Candida urinary tract infections occur in both dogs in cats but there is limited data about risk factors. OBJECTIVE: To identify risk factors for candiduria in dogs in cats. ANIMALS: Eighteen dogs and 8 cats with candiduria. METHODS: A retrospective case-control study, using univariate exact logistic regression. Medical records were searched for a diagnosis of Candida and animals with culture-confirmed candiduria were enrolled. Controls had bacterial cystitis (dogs and cats) or cutaneous Malassezia infection (dogs only). RESULTS: Administration of antibacterial drugs in the 30 days before diagnosis was associated with candiduria in dogs compared to controls with bacterial cystitis (OR 14.5; 95% CI 3.1-66.9) or with Malassezia infection (OR 26.4; 95% CI 3.4-206.7). Antecedent antibacterial drug administration was associated with candiduria in cats (OR 15.7; 95% CI 1.9-132.3). Immunosuppression was associated with candiduria in dogs when compared to controls with Malassezia infection (OR 4.2, 95% CI 1.4-12.8), but not significantly when compared to dogs with bacterial cystitis (OR 2.7, 95% CI 0.9-8.0). Lower urinary tract diseases other than infection were associated with candiduria in cats (OR 6.7, 95% CI 1.6-27.9), but not significantly in dogs (OR 2.5, 95% CI 0.7-8.7). Neither diabetes mellitus nor history of hospitalization was significantly associated with candiduria in either species. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The recent administration of antibacterial drug therapy is a potential risk factor for development of candiduria in dogs and cats. Judicious use of antibacterial drugs might help to prevent candiduria.

Outbreak of Opportunistic Ascending Pyelonephritis with Numerous Yeast after Experimental Humanization Surgery in NOD.Cg-Prkdcscid Il2rgtm1Wjl/SzJ and NOD.Cg-Rag1tm1Mom Il2rgtm1Wjl/SzJ Immunodeficient Mice.

Unexpected mortality occurred in a group of 12 NOD.Cg-NOD.Cg-PrkdcscidIl2rgtm1Wjl/SzJ (NSG) and 12 NOD.Cg-Rag1tm1Mom Il2rgtm1Wjl/SzJ (NRG) immunodeficient mice. At 10 d after routine bone marrow-liver-thymus humanization surgery, 9 mice were found dead without observation of initiating clinical signs; 1 d later (day 11), 3 additional mice showed signs of morbidity, including severe hunching, lateral recumbency, slow movement, shallow respiration, and decreased response to external stimulus. All remaining mice rapidly decompensated and were found dead or were euthanized within 4 d after the first death. Histopathology revealed severe ascending pyelonephritis with numerous yeast. Cultures in some mice were positive for Enterococcus faecalis or Staphylococcus xylosus, 2 bacteria considered commensals in rodents. In addition, Candida albicans was cultured from some animals. Further investigation revealed that a restraining device used for tail vein injections was the likely fomite harboring Candida organisms. These findings indicate that ascending pyelonephritis, with Candida as the etiologic agent, can cause significant mortality in NSG and NRG immunodeficient mice.

Candida parapsilosis and Candida tropicalis infections in an Okhotsk snailfish (Liparis ochotensis).

An Okhotsk snailfish (Liparis ochotensis) kept at Nagoya aquarium exhibited sudden death. Microscopically, the fish showed multiple granulomatous foci in the gills, liver and kidney. Multiple yeast-like organisms as well as pseudohyphal elements were observed within granulomatous lesions. Immunohistochemically, the hyphae were negative for both Asperigullus and Mucor spp., and a weak positive for Candida sp. The seminated-PCR product was consistent with Candida parapsilosis and C. tropicalis. This is the first record of disseminated mycotic granulomatous lesion due to C. parapsilosis and C. tropicalis infection in fish.

Clinical management of Candida albicans keratomycosis in a bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus).

OBJECTIVE: Corneal ulceration secondary to trauma commonly affects marine mammals, often with opportunistic secondary bacterial or fungal infections. This report characterizes the combined use of auriculopalpebral and ophthalmic nerve blocks, adipose-derived stem cells, and subconjunctival injections for successful treatment of corneal trauma and infection in dolphins. ANIMAL STUDIED: An 11-year-old, female bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) presented with bilateral diffuse corneal opacities, which progressed to keratomycosis caused by Candida albicans. PROCEDURE: Aggressive medical management was employed, including the use of subconjunctival injections of adipose-derived stem cells, plasma, topical and oral antifungals and antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory and pain medications. Anesthetic block of the auriculopalpebral and ophthalmic nerves was employed to evaluate the corneas. CONCLUSION: Subconjunctival injections were employed over 52 days, followed by topical drops for 5 months. At last evaluation, there was no evidence of blepharospasm bilaterally. Only a faint superficial gray corneal opacity remained OS. A temporal paraxial corneal opacity was present OD, with receding inactive vascularization and a small amount of melanosis temporally.

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)

Incidência de Candida spp. segundo a sazonalidade em excretas de aves silvestres e exóticas cativas analisadas no Laboratório ADN/Poços de Caldas-MG, Brasil (2010-2014) / Seasonal incidence of Candida spp. found in feces of captive wild and exotic birds by ADN Laboratory/Poços de Caldas-MG, Brazil (2010-2014)

Candidíase é a doença causada pelas leveduras do gênero Candida spp., agindo tanto como agentes primários ou secundários de doenças importantes em aves e humanos. O presente estudo teve por objetivo estudar as 599 amostras com pedido de diagnóstico para Candida spp. em um laboratório diagnóstico comercial na cidade de Poços de Caldas, MG-Brasil, no período de 2010 à 2014, levando em consideração a sazonalidade (verão, outono, inverno e primavera) e origem geográfica das amostras. Ao analisar o grupo com todas as ordens de aves em todo território brasileiro, foram 28,05% resultados positivos (168/599) e 71,95% resultados negativos (431/599), sendo 19,9% (119/599) dos resultados obtidos no verão, 30,6% (183/599) no outono, 28,04% (168/599) no inverno e 21,54% (129/599) na primavera. Dentro dos resultados obtidos, no verão 31,09% (37/119) foram positivos; no outono 31,15% (57/183); no inverno 30,4% (51/168) e por fim, na primavera 17,83% (23/129) (Quadro 3), tendo sido demonstrada baixa incidência nesta última estação (p=0,003) pelo teste de Qui-Quadrado. Com base nestes achados conclui-se que durante a primavera, há diminuição da incidência de resultados positivos para Candida spp. possivelmente devido a um aumento da imunocompetência destes animais durante esta estação, sendo necessários mais estudos para associar resultados clínico-práticos aos estatísticos encontrados nesta pesquisa.

Candidiasis is a frequent disease caused by yeasts of Candida spp., that acts either like primary or secondary agent for humans and aviary important disease. This article carried out data analysis from 599 laboratory avian samples sent for microbiology analysis in a commercial diagnostic laboratory located in Poços de Caldas city-Minas Gerais state in Brazil, from 2010 to 2014 period with respect to seasonality and geographic distribution. All avian orders analysis from all geographic areas studied reveled 28.05% positives results (168/599) e 71.95% negatives results (431/599), distributed by seasonality 19.9% (119/599) at summer, 30.6% (183/599) in autumn , 28.04% (168/599) in winter and 21.54% (129/599) in springs. At summer 31.09% (37/119) were positives for Candida sp.; 31.15% (57/183) in autumn; 30.4% (51/168) in winter at last 17.83% (23/129) in springs. Results revealed at Q-square statistic test (p<0.05) significant reduction in occurrence at springs (p=0.03) possible due to an increased immunocompetence at this time but more studies are necessary to better understanding this finding.

Colonization of the bovine uterus by Candida kefyr.

BACKGROUND: While fungal infections of the bovine uterus are well-known diseases in pregnant cattle, very limited knowledge exists on the presence and significance of fungi in the uterus of non-pregnant cows. Presence of fungi in the uterine lumen of postpartum (pp) cows has been reported, but little attention has been paid to this as most studies of the bovine pp uterus have focused on bacteria. CASE PRESENTATION: Microscopy of uterine lavage cytology slides of three cows from one herd revealed the presence of numerous yeast-like organisms, which were located either free in the fluid or within macrophages. Two of the cows were around 30 days pp, while the third was 7 months pp. None of the cows had been treated with antibiotics. Culturing of the flush samples was unsuccessful, but Sanger sequencing of DNA extracted from an endometrial biopsy of one of the cows revealed the presence of Candida kefyr (Kluyveromyces marxianus). Fluorescence in situ hybridization examination of endometrial tissue sections of two cows using probes targeting 18S rRNA of the K. marxianus group was performed and revealed the presence of yeast cells on the endometrium. Histology was performed and demonstrated hyphal and non-hyphal yeast-like organisms on the surface of endometrium and in the crypts. Tissue invasion was restricted to the superficial part of the epithelium and although endometrial inflammation was present, this was mild and considered as not being caused by the fungi. One of the cows became pregnant and delivered a normal calf at term, while the two others were not bred. CONCLUSIONS: Candida kefyr is commonly isolated from milk of cows with mastitis, but has not been reported in association with other diseases of cattle. The infection was present as a monoculture in all three cows, but the fungi had only colonized the uterine lumen and the endometrial surface. Only a mild non-suppurative endometrial inflammation was present, but within the uterine luminal content, many macrophages having phagocytized yeast cells were present. Re-examination of the cows did not reveal a persistent infection, so the infection probably resolved spontaneously.

Concurrent Fowlpox and Candidiasis Diseases in Backyard Chickens with Unusual Pox Lesions in the Bursa of Fabricius.

Concurrent fowlpox and candidiasis diseases occurred in a backyard chicken flock. Four deceased chickens (one Nagoya breed and three white silkie chickens) were examined for diagnosis. At necropsy, white curd-like plaques were observed in the crop. Fungal elements that stained positive for Candida albicans with immunohistochemistry were distributed throughout the tongue, choanal mucosa, esophagus, and crop. Typical fowlpox lesions, composed of proliferating epithelial cells with ballooning degeneration and viral intracytoplasmic inclusions, were observed in the conjunctiva, nasal mucosa, and skin around the cloaca. Interestingly, hyperplastic interfollicular epithelium with rare virus inclusions was observed in the bursa of Fabricius (BF). Some bursal follicles were replaced by proliferating epithelial cells. These proliferating cells immunohistochemically stained positive for cytokeratin. PCR and subsequent genetic sequencing detected the C. albicans gene in the crop, and fowlpox virus genes in the BF. These results indicate that this outbreak was a rare presentation of fowlpox in spontaneously infected chickens, with unusual pox lesions in the BF.

Associação de megabacteriose, aspergilose e candidíase em periquitos australianos (Melopsittacus undulatus) em cativeiro, Marília, SP - Relato de caso / Association megabacteriosis, aspergillosis and candidiasis in australianparakeet (Melopsittacus undulatus) in captivity, Marilia, SP: case report

Infecções fúngicas causadas por Macrorhabdus ornithogaster, Aspergillus flavus, Candida albicans tem sido descritas em várias espécies aviárias sendo responsáveis por promover alterações gastrointestinais, respiratórias, neurológicas e dermatológicas entre outras. O presente artigo descreve aspectos clínicos, anatomopatológicos, procedimentos diagnósticos, medidas preventivas e terapêuticas de um caso crônico de três infecções fúngicas concomitantes em periquitos australianos (Melopsittacus undulatus) provenientes de um criatório comercial encaminhado ao laboratório de Ornitopatologia do Hospital Veterinário da Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia da Universidade Estadual Paulista (FMVZ UNESP), campus Botucatu São Paulo, Brasil.

Fungal infections caused by Macrorhabdus ornithogaster, Aspergillus flavus, Candida albicans has been described as responsiblefor promoting gastrointestinal, respiratory, neurological and dermatological disorders in several avian species. The present paperdescribes the clinical signs, histopathological exams, treatment and preventions and of a chronic case of three fungal infectionsconcomitant in australian parakeet (Melopsittacus undulatus). The animals came from a commercial breeding facility and sent toOrnitopathology Laboratory of the Veterinary Hospital, Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science Faculty, Paulista State University(FMVZ - UNESP), Botucatu campus - São Paulo, Brazil.

Granulomatous rhinitis due to Candida parapsilosis in a cat.

A 9-year-old female spayed Domestic Medium Hair cat presented to the referring veterinarian with a 2-week history of sneezing, which progressed to swelling over the nasal planum. The cat had been under veterinary care for inflammatory bowel disease and had been treated with 1.25 mg/kg prednisolone once a day for approximately 1 year. On physical examination, an approximately 2-3 mm diameter, round polypoid pink soft-tissue mass was protruding slightly from the right nostril. Through histologic examination of representative sections from the mass, there was a severe diffuse infiltrate of epithelioid macrophages and neutrophils that surrounded frequent 15-20 µm yeast organisms. A Grocott methenamine silver stain revealed the presence of pseudohyphae in addition to the previously noted yeast forms. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for Cryptococcus neoformans, Ajellomyces dermatitidis (syn. Blastomyces dermatitidis), Coccidioides immitis, Ajellomyces capsulatus (syn. Histoplasma capsulatum), Malassezia spp., and Candida spp. was performed on the paraffin-embedded sample. The PCR for Candida spp. was positive; the product was then sequenced and was determined to be consistent with Candida parapsilosis. Following the PCR diagnosis and prior to treatment of the infection, C. parapsilosis was cultured from a nasal swab. The infection in the cat in the current report was considered opportunistic and secondary to immunosuppression, following treatment for the inflammatory bowel disease.

Candida peritonitis in dogs: report of 5 cases.

Candida peritonitis is reported in people and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality compared with sterile or bacterial peritonitis. Recognized predisposing risk factors include peritoneal dialysis, hollow viscous organ perforation, abdominal surgery, inflamed intestinal mucosa, antimicrobial administration, and immunosuppression. In this report, we describe 5 cases of dogs with peritonitis complicated by Candida spp; 3 dogs with C albicans, one dog with C albicans and C glabrata, and one dog with C glabrata only. The 3 dogs with C albicans peritonitis presented with duodenal perforation due to NSAID therapy, intestinal resection and anastomosis following postspay-surgery dehiscence, and intestinal foreign body removal. The 2 dogs with C glabrata peritonitis had undergone cholecystectomy due to gall bladder rupture and dehiscence of intestinal biopsy removal sites following exploratory laparatomy. In all cases, initial diagnosis of fungal peritonitis was made via cytologic examination of peritoneal effusions, which revealed marked pyogranulomatous inflammation with numerous 3-8 µm oval, deeply basophilic yeast organisms with thin clear capsules noted within phagocytes and extracellularly. In addition, germ tube formation, hyphae, and pseudohyphae were rarely seen in some of the cases with pure C albicans. Identity of the organisms was determined by culture in all cases and confirmed by PCR in 3 cases. Candida spp. are commensals normally inhabiting the alimentary, the upper respiratory, and the lower urogenital tracts of mammals. They are opportunistic pathogens that can invade and colonize tissue when a patient is immune-compromised or there is disruption of the mucosal barrier. Candida peritonitis should be considered in patients with peritoneal contamination with gastrointestinal or biliary contents.