Canine histoplasmosis in Trinidad

ABSTRACT

Canine histoplasmosis was first reported in Trinidad in 1990 (Vet. Diag. Lab Ann Report). It involved a case of disseminated histoplasmosis in a 5 year-old male Doberman from north-eastern Trinidad. Subsequently, five cases, all classified as the disseminated form of the disease, have been diagnosed in dogs of different breeds, mainly from the northern part of the island. The aetiological agent is a dimorphic fungus, Histoplasma capsulatum which occurs as a yeast in the parasitic phase, but exists as a filamentous mycelin producing microconidia and macroconidia in the saprophytic phase. Histoplasmosis is a zoonosis and has a world-wide distribution. Although in man most cases are asymptomatic, severe illness and death can occur (AU).