Usefulness of Sona Aspergillus Galactomannan LFA with digital readout as diagnostic and as screening tool of COVID-19 associated pulmonary aspergillosis in critically ill patients. Data from a multicenter prospective study performed in Argentina.

COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) incidence varies depending on the country. Serum galactomannan quantification is a promising diagnostic tool since samples are easy to obtain with low biosafety issues. A multicenter prospective study was performed to evaluate the CAPA incidence in Argentina and to assess the performance of the lateral flow assay with digital readout (Sona Aspergillus LFA) as a CAPA diagnostic and screening tool. The correlation between the values obtained with Sona Aspergillus LFA and Platelia® EIA was evaluated. In total, 578 serum samples were obtained from 185 critically ill COVID patients. CAPA screening was done weekly starting from the first week of ICU stay. Probable CAPA incidence in critically ill patients was 10.27% (19/185 patients when LFA was used as mycological criteria) and 9% (9/100 patients when EIA was used as mycological criteria). We found a very good correlation between the two evaluated galactomannan quantification methods (overall agreement of 92.16% with a Kappa statistic value of 0.721). CAPA diagnosis (>0.5 readouts in LFA) were done during the first week of ICU stay in 94.7% of the probable CAPA patients. The overall mortality was 36.21%. CAPA patients' mortality and length of ICU stay were not statistically different from for COVID (non-CAPA) patients (42.11 vs 33.13% and 29 vs 24 days, respectively). These indicators were lower than in other reports. LFA-IMMY with digital readout is a reliable tool for early diagnosis of CAPA using serum samples in critically ill COVID patients. It has a good agreement with Platelia® EIA. LAY SUMMARY: The incidence of COVID-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) in critically-ill Argentinian patients was established (10.27%). Serum galactomannan quantification was useful as a screening tool for this mycosis. A good agreement between Platelia® EIA and Sona Aspergillus LFA is reported.

Pulmonary Aspergillis in the dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei)

Fungal infections that affect marine mammals, like most fungal infections, can be secondary to environmental stress or other infectious diseases. This article describes a case of pulmonary infection by Aspergillus spp. in a specimen of Pontoporia blainvillei found dead near the town of San Clemente de Tuyu and near the bay of Samborombón, BuenosAires, Argentina. The lung was collapsed with necrotic foci, fragments were collected, fixed in 10% formalin and submitted to histopathological examination. Microscopically, a marked change of the pulmonary architecture was observed, with total alveolar collapse, extensive necrotic areas, where septal hyphae were observed weakly, when stained with H-E and clearly evidenced with Grocott staining. Since the potential causes of immunosuppression were not evident, the authors consider it probable that infection by Aspergillus spp. was established in the lungs that presented a primary, possibly bacterial pneumonia, as a result of some degree of immunosuppression.(AU)

Pulmonary Aspergillis in the dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei)

Fungal infections that affect marine mammals, like most fungal infections, can be secondary to environmental stress or other infectious diseases. This article describes a case of pulmonary infection by Aspergillus spp. in a specimen of Pontoporia blainvillei found dead near the town of San Clemente de Tuyu and near the bay of Samborombón, BuenosAires, Argentina. The lung was collapsed with necrotic foci, fragments were collected, fixed in 10% formalin and submitted to histopathological examination. Microscopically, a marked change of the pulmonary architecture was observed, with total alveolar collapse, extensive necrotic areas, where septal hyphae were observed weakly, when stained with H-E and clearly evidenced with Grocott staining. Since the potential causes of immunosuppression were not evident, the authors consider it probable that infection by Aspergillus spp. was established in the lungs that presented a primary, possibly bacterial pneumonia, as a result of some degree of immunosuppression.

Identification and characterization of Aspergillus fumigatus isolates from broilers / Identificação e caracterização de Aspergillus fumigatus isolados de frangos de corte

Aspergillosis is one of the main causes of mortality in birds. The pulmonary system is most frequently affected, with lesions observed in the air sacs and lungs of a wide variety of bird species. The aim of this study was to confirm by molecular methods the identification and the genetic diversity of Aspergillus fumigatus isolates of lung's samples from healthy broilers (Galus galus domesticus). Forty-four (9.5%) isolates of lung's samples were confirmed as A. fumigatus by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) multiplex (amplification of β-tub and rodA gene fragments). Microsatellite typing for A. fumigatus was used to analyse all avian isolates. Among them, 40 genotypes (90.9%) were observed only one time. The results showed a high variability and multiple genotypes of de A. fumigatus collected from lung's samples of broilers.(AU)

Aspergilose é uma das principais causas de mortalidade em aves. O sistema pulmonar de uma grande variedade de espécies de aves é o mais frequentemente afetado, com lesões nos sacos aéreos e pulmões. Objetivou-se confirmar por métodos moleculares a identificação e a diversidade genética de Aspergillus fumigatus isolados de amostras pulmonares de frangos de corte sadios (Galus galus domesticus). Quarenta e quatro (9,5%) isolados foram confirmados como A. fumigatus através de reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) multiplex (amplificação de fragmentos dos genes β-tub e rodA). Todos isolados foram tipificados, sendo quarenta (90,9%) observados apenas uma vez. Os resultados mostram uma alta variabilidade e múltiplos genótipos de A. fumigatus obtidos de amostras pulmonares de frangos, de corte.(AU)

Identification and characterization of Aspergillus fumigatus isolates from broilers / Identificação e caracterização de Aspergillus fumigatus isolados de frangos de corte

Aspergillosis is one of the main causes of mortality in birds. The pulmonary system is most frequently affected, with lesions observed in the air sacs and lungs of a wide variety of bird species. The aim of this study was to confirm by molecular methods the identification and the genetic diversity of Aspergillus fumigatus isolates of lung's samples from healthy broilers (Galus galus domesticus). Forty-four (9.5%) isolates of lung's samples were confirmed as A. fumigatus by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) multiplex (amplification of ß-tub and rodA gene fragments). Microsatellite typing for A. fumigatus was used to analyse all avian isolates. Among them, 40 genotypes (90.9%) were observed only one time. The results showed a high variability and multiple genotypes of de A. fumigatus collected from lung's samples of broilers.(AU)

Aspergilose é uma das principais causas de mortalidade em aves. O sistema pulmonar de uma grande variedade de espécies de aves é o mais frequentemente afetado, com lesões nos sacos aéreos e pulmões. Objetivou-se confirmar por métodos moleculares a identificação e a diversidade genética de Aspergillus fumigatus isolados de amostras pulmonares de frangos de corte sadios (Galus galus domesticus). Quarenta e quatro (9,5%) isolados foram confirmados como A. fumigatus através de reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) multiplex (amplificação de fragmentos dos genes ß-tub e rodA). Todos isolados foram tipificados, sendo quarenta (90,9%) observados apenas uma vez. Os resultados mostram uma alta variabilidade e múltiplos genótipos de A. fumigatus obtidos de amostras pulmonares de frangos, de corte.(AU)

Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis associated with acute myocardial infarction in dog / Aspergilose pulmonar associado a infarto agudo do miocárdio em cão

Background: Fungi of the genus Aspergillus are ubiquitous microorganisms of opportunistic character, of which animals and humans are continually exposed. Are described three main forms of aspergillosis in dogs: nasal, disseminated and bronchopulmonary. This form which is restricted to the lung parenchyma is considered rare in dogs. The aim of this paper is to report a case of pulmonary aspergillosis associated to acute myocardial infarction in a dog, focusing on epidemiological, clinical, pathological and immunohistochemical characteristics. Case: A male dog, 4-year-old, Pinscher, clinically presented dyspnea, anorexia, vomiting, concentrated urine and dark and mollified faeces. On physical examination, there were congested oral and conjunctival mucosas, dehydration and petechiae in the outer ear. The animal died five days after the clinical attendance and was sent for necropsy. The macroscopic lesions were restricted to the lung, heart and liver. There were multifocal areas of consolidation in the lung parenchyma and yellowish content in the trachea and bronchi lumen. The heart was rounded and with pale areas in the myocardium. Liver was discreet accentuation of the lobular pattern. Histologically the lesion was characterized by pyogranulomatous and necrotizing bronchopneumonia, multifocal to coalescing, moderate, associated with myriads of intralesional hyphae consistent with [...]

Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis associated with acute myocardial infarction in dog / Aspergilose pulmonar associado a infarto agudo do miocárdio em cão

Background: Fungi of the genus Aspergillus are ubiquitous microorganisms of opportunistic character, of which animals and humans are continually exposed. Are described three main forms of aspergillosis in dogs: nasal, disseminated and bronchopulmonary. This form which is restricted to the lung parenchyma is considered rare in dogs. The aim of this paper is to report a case of pulmonary aspergillosis associated to acute myocardial infarction in a dog, focusing on epidemiological, clinical, pathological and immunohistochemical characteristics. Case: A male dog, 4-year-old, Pinscher, clinically presented dyspnea, anorexia, vomiting, concentrated urine and dark and mollified faeces. On physical examination, there were congested oral and conjunctival mucosas, dehydration and petechiae in the outer ear. The animal died five days after the clinical attendance and was sent for necropsy. The macroscopic lesions were restricted to the lung, heart and liver. There were multifocal areas of consolidation in the lung parenchyma and yellowish content in the trachea and bronchi lumen. The heart was rounded and with pale areas in the myocardium. Liver was discreet accentuation of the lobular pattern. Histologically the lesion was characterized by pyogranulomatous and necrotizing bronchopneumonia, multifocal to coalescing, moderate, associated with myriads of intralesional hyphae consistent with [...](AU)

Immunosuppressive syndrome in juvenile black-faced ibises (Theristicus melanopis melanopis) in southern Chile.

In the austral summer of 2011, in the rural area of Villarrica county, southern Chile (39 degrees 16'S, 72 degrees 19'W), seven black-faced ibis juveniles (approximately 4 mo old) were observed in the field with weakness; they were unable to follow the group and struggling to take flight. Three of these birds were euthanatized, and complete necropsies were performed. Gross examination showed severe infestation with Colpocephalum trispinum and Ardeicola melanopis lice, moderate emaciation, pale musculature, bursal atrophy, and severe hemorrhagic enteritis due to a heavy proventricular and intestinal infection with Porrocaecum heteropterum nematodes. Fungal pneumonia and severe lymphoid depletion on thymus, spleen, and bursa were diagnosed by microscopic examination. Bursal lesions included apoptosis and necrosis of lymphoid cells, and several cystic follicles. The presence of severe lymphoid depletion associated with fungal pneumonia and severe external and internal parasite infections suggest the presence of an immunosuppressive syndrome in these birds that caused the death of several black-faced ibis juveniles in southern Chile during the summer of 2011.

Aspergilose em trinca-ferros (Saltator similis) competidores de canto / Aspergillosis in Green-winged saltators (Saltator similis) participants in bird singing competitions

Background: Aspergillosis is the most common mycosis in birds, which are considered potential host also susceptible to the infection by Aspergillus spp. The clinical signs of the disease are often related to the respiratory tract, although other organs or systems may be affected. Signs are generally either not specific or may be directly related to the extent of the lesions in the respiratory tract (rhinitis, changes in the vocalization and dyspnea). The aim of this study was to describe and characterize three cases of aspergillosis in Greenwinged saltators (Saltator similis), based on reference standard diagnostics of this mycosis. Cases: Three Green-winged adult male saltators that had been participating weekly for three months in bird singing contests were referred to a private veterinary clinic. The clinical evaluation revealed pronounced hoarseness (3/3) and intense dyspnea (1/3). The animals were allocated to a warmed (28º C) oxygen chamber at 65% relative humidity. All birds were nebulized with saline solution and hyaluronidase. In addition, the birds were treated orally with complex vitamins B, A, D and E and intravenously either with dexamethasone and doxycycline (Case 1), azithromycin (Case 2) or metronidazole-enrofloxacin combination (Case 3), in association with the use of Arnica Montana CH6 in the drinking water, and fluid therapy (5% glucose, Ringer-lactate and saline solution). In spite of the therapeutic treatments, the birds died three days after the hospitalization. The necropsy examination revealed: syrinx with yellowish content ranging from 2 to 5 mm diameter occluding the lumen (3/3) and the lungs were diffusely reddened (3/3) with yellowish areas of 2 mm (1/3). The histologic findings included proliferation of connective tissue in the mucosa and submucosa of the syrinx and granulomas formation in the lumen with necrotic centers that had large amounts of branched and septate hyphae with radiated arrangement. A large amount of hyphae were observed in granulomas in the lungs. The mycological culture (Sabouraud Dextrose Agar and Malt Extract Agar) of lung fragments and syrinx from all three birds allowed the isolation of colonies of Aspergillus fumigatus. Discussion: In Brazil, there are sparse reports of aspergillosis, mainly for native species of birds in captivity. The disease has been often diagnosed in migratory marine birds (treated at specific rehabilitation centers) and, occasionally, in wild birds or in animals raised in commercial poultry farms. The presence of fungal propagules in the respiratory system may cause colonization (a potential latent infection), condition that allows the fungal isolation from the lung tissue. However, under stress conditions or in a fall in immunity, as observed in this case study involving birds that intensively participate in singing competitions, it is often observed an evolution from the colonizing stage to range of clinical symptoms indicative of aspergillosis. The adoption of preventive measures to reduce the spreading of fungal propagules in the environment is essential, as well as proper feeding and hydration, a minimization of stress-related issues during animal management and transport, the rational use of drugs, and conditions that may favor the development of opportunistic mycoses, such as aspergillosis, which is the most common fungal disease in the world. The reported cases of aspergillosis in the lungs and syrinx of Green-winged saltators emphasizes the importance of a conclusive diagnosis for the disease based on the detection of fungal structures at the histopathological examination associated with the isolation of the agent in a fungal culture. The occurrence of aspergillosis may cause a significant loss of native bird species maintained in captivity, which is a serious concern when related to the preservation of the diversity of the Brazilian avian fauna.