1
|
Danesi P, Petini M, Falcaro C, Bertola M, Mazzotta E, Furlanello T, Krockenberger M, Malik R. Pneumocystis Colonization in Dogs Is as in Humans. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19063192. [PMID: 35328882 PMCID: PMC8955813 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19063192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Pneumocystis is an atypical fungus that resides in the pulmonary parenchyma of many mammals, including humans and dogs. Immunocompetent human hosts are usually asymptomatically colonised or show subtle clinical signs, but some immunocompromised people can develop florid life-threatening Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP). Since much less is known concerning Pneumocystis in dogs, we posit the question: can Pneumocystis colonization be present in dogs with inflammatory airway or lung disease caused by other pathogens or disease processes? In this study, Pneumocystis DNA was detected in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of 22/255 dogs (9%) with respiratory distress and/or chronic cough. Although young dogs (<1 year-of-age) and pedigree breeds were more often Pneumocystis-qPCR positive than older dogs and crossbreds, adult dogs with other infectious conditions and/or a history of therapy-resistant pulmonary disease could also be qPCR-positive, including two patients with suppression of the immune system. Absence of pathognomonic clinical or radiographic signs render it impossible to convincingly discriminate between overt PCP versus other lung/airway disease processes colonised by P. canis. It is possible that colonisation with P. canis might play a certain role as a co-pathogen in some canine patients with lower respiratory disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Danesi
- Parasitology, Mycology and Medical Enthomology, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, 35020 Padua, Italy; (C.F.); (M.B.); (E.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-049-8084902
| | - Matteo Petini
- Clinica e Laboratorio Veterinario San Marco, Veggiano, 35030 Padua, Italy; (M.P.); (T.F.)
| | - Christian Falcaro
- Parasitology, Mycology and Medical Enthomology, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, 35020 Padua, Italy; (C.F.); (M.B.); (E.M.)
| | - Michela Bertola
- Parasitology, Mycology and Medical Enthomology, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, 35020 Padua, Italy; (C.F.); (M.B.); (E.M.)
| | - Elisa Mazzotta
- Parasitology, Mycology and Medical Enthomology, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, 35020 Padua, Italy; (C.F.); (M.B.); (E.M.)
| | - Tommaso Furlanello
- Clinica e Laboratorio Veterinario San Marco, Veggiano, 35030 Padua, Italy; (M.P.); (T.F.)
| | - Mark Krockenberger
- Veterinary Pathology Diagnostic Services, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia;
| | - Richard Malik
- Centre for Veterinary Education, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia;
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Danesi P, Ravagnan S, Johnson LR, Furlanello T, Milani A, Martin P, Boyd S, Best M, Galgut B, Irwin P, Canfield PJ, Krockenberger MB, Halliday C, Meyer W, Malik R. Molecular diagnosis of Pneumocystis pneumonia in dogs. Med Mycol 2018; 55:828-842. [PMID: 28339756 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myx007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 01/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is a life-threatening fungal disease that can occur in dogs. The aim of this study was to provide a preliminary genetic characterisation of Pneumocystis carinii f.sp.'canis' (P. canis) in dogs and thereby develop a reliable molecular protocol to definitively diagnose canine PCP. We investigated P. canis in a variety of lung specimens from dogs with confirmed or strongly suspected PCP (Group 1, n = 16), dogs with non-PCP lower respiratory tract problems (Group 2, n = 65) and dogs not suspected of having PCP or other lower respiratory diseases (Group 3, n = 11). Presence of Pneumocystis DNA was determined by nested PCR of the large and small mitochondrial subunit rRNA loci and by a real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay developed using a new set of primers. Molecular results were correlated with the presence of Pneumocystis morphotypes detected in cytological/histological preparations. Pneumocystis DNA was amplified from 13/16 PCP-suspected dogs (Group 1) and from 4/76 dogs of control Groups 2 and 3 (combined). The latter four dogs were thought to have been colonized by P. canis. Comparison of CT values in 'infected' versus 'colonized' dogs was consistent with this notion, with a distinct difference in molecular burden between groups (CT ≤ 26 versus CT range (26 <CT < 35), respectively). Phylogenetic analyses showed that P. canis is specifically 'canine' associated, being separated from other mammalian Pneumocystis species, thereby confirming the accuracy of qPCR amplicon for Pneumocystis in dogs. Using qPCR, Pneumocystis DNA can be detected in specimens from the respiratory tract and a CT value can be interpreted to distinguish infection versus colonization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Danesi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - Silvia Ravagnan
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - Lynelle R Johnson
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | | | - Adelaide Milani
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - Patricia Martin
- Veterinary Pathology Diagnostic Services, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Susan Boyd
- QML Vetnostics, Riverview Place, Metroplex on Gateway, Murrarie, QLD Australia
| | - Matthew Best
- Brisbane Veterinary Specialist Centre, Corner Keong & Old Northern Roads, Albany Creek, QLD Australia
| | - Bradley Galgut
- Australian Specialised Animal Pathology (ASAP) Laboratories, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter Irwin
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Paul J Canfield
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mark B Krockenberger
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Catriona Halliday
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, ICPMR - Pathology West, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Wieland Meyer
- Molecular Mycology Research Laboratory, Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Sydney Medical School-Westmead Hospital, Marie Bashir Institute for Emerging Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, University of Sydney, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Sydney, Australia
| | - Richard Malik
- Centre for Veterinary Education, B22, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Weissenbacher-Lang C, Fuchs-Baumgartinger A, Guija-De-Arespacochaga A, Klang A, Weissenböck H, Künzel F. Pneumocystosis in dogs: meta-analysis of 43 published cases including clinical signs, diagnostic procedures, and treatment. J Vet Diagn Invest 2017; 30:26-35. [PMID: 29145787 DOI: 10.1177/1040638717742429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We evaluated 43 published cases of dogs with confirmed Pneumocystis infection regarding the value of clinical parameters indicating the presence of the disease as well as tools for the detection of the pathogen. The assessed parameters included clinical signs, laboratory findings, results of thoracic radiography, autopsy, histopathology, methods for the detection of Pneumocystis, as well as medical therapy. Pneumocystosis was diagnosed most often in certain breeds (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Miniature Dachshund) with a predisposition for impaired immunity. The median age of the dogs was 1 y. Chronic therapy-resistant respiratory signs, such as tachypnea, dyspnea, and cough, along with leukocytosis, neutrophilia, and hypogammaglobulinemia, were the most frequently described clinical and clinicopathologic abnormalities. Pneumocystosis can be masked by coinfections with other respiratory pathogens, and the successful detection of Pneumocystis organisms is of major relevance. Several detection methods have been used in the past, but only a few provide reliable results. In 2017, the cytologic evaluation of Giemsa-stained bronchoalveolar lavage samples is generally used, even if sensitivity is only moderate. More reliable results can be achieved using special stains or sensitive molecular techniques. Fast and reliable detection of Pneumocystis is the essential basis for appropriate treatment and higher survival chances for dogs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christiane Weissenbacher-Lang
- Institute of Pathology and Forensic Veterinary Medicine (Weissenbacher-Lang, Fuchs-Baumgartinger, Klang, Weissenböck), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Clinical Pathology Platform (Guija-De-Arespacochaga), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Internal Medicine Small Animals (Künzel), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andrea Fuchs-Baumgartinger
- Institute of Pathology and Forensic Veterinary Medicine (Weissenbacher-Lang, Fuchs-Baumgartinger, Klang, Weissenböck), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Clinical Pathology Platform (Guija-De-Arespacochaga), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Internal Medicine Small Animals (Künzel), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Abigail Guija-De-Arespacochaga
- Institute of Pathology and Forensic Veterinary Medicine (Weissenbacher-Lang, Fuchs-Baumgartinger, Klang, Weissenböck), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Clinical Pathology Platform (Guija-De-Arespacochaga), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Internal Medicine Small Animals (Künzel), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andrea Klang
- Institute of Pathology and Forensic Veterinary Medicine (Weissenbacher-Lang, Fuchs-Baumgartinger, Klang, Weissenböck), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Clinical Pathology Platform (Guija-De-Arespacochaga), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Internal Medicine Small Animals (Künzel), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Herbert Weissenböck
- Institute of Pathology and Forensic Veterinary Medicine (Weissenbacher-Lang, Fuchs-Baumgartinger, Klang, Weissenböck), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Clinical Pathology Platform (Guija-De-Arespacochaga), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Internal Medicine Small Animals (Künzel), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Frank Künzel
- Institute of Pathology and Forensic Veterinary Medicine (Weissenbacher-Lang, Fuchs-Baumgartinger, Klang, Weissenböck), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Clinical Pathology Platform (Guija-De-Arespacochaga), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Internal Medicine Small Animals (Künzel), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Weissenbacher-Lang C, Fuchs-Baumgartinger A, Klang A, Kneissl S, Pirker A, Shibly S, von Ritgen S, Weissenböck H, Künzel F. Pneumocystis carinii infection with severe pneumomediastinum and lymph node involvement in a Whippet mixed-breed dog. J Vet Diagn Invest 2017; 29:757-762. [PMID: 28548623 DOI: 10.1177/1040638717710237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A 3.5-y-old Whippet mixed-breed dog was presented with a history of respiratory distress, exercise intolerance, and generalized demodicosis. Hematologic alterations included marked leukocytosis and neutrophilia. Radiographic examination showed a diffuse interstitial and mild peripheral alveolar lung pattern and pneumomediastinum. Because the cytologic examination of the bronchoalveolar aspirate was not diagnostic and a persistent perforation of the upper respiratory tract could not be ruled out, the dog was submitted to thoracoscopy, and subsequently the left cranial lung lobe as well as mediastinal and sternal lymph nodes were resected. Pulmonary pneumocystosis with spread to the thoracic lymph nodes was suspected after histologic investigation of lung and lymph nodes, which was confirmed by in situ hybridization, PCR, and subsequent Sanger sequencing. We document a rare, simultaneous occurrence of severe pulmonary and thoracic lymph node pneumocystosis with spontaneous pneumomediastinum in a dog. Definitive diagnosis was achieved through the use of Grocott methenamine silver staining, in situ hybridization, and PCR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christiane Weissenbacher-Lang
- Institute of Pathology and Forensic Veterinary Medicine (Weissenbacher-Lang, Fuchs-Baumgartinger, Klang, Weissenböck), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Diagnostic Imaging (Kneissl), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Small Animal Surgery (Pirker), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Internal Medicine Small Animals (Shibly, Künzel), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Anesthesiology and Perioperative Intensive-Care Medicine (von Ritgen), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andrea Fuchs-Baumgartinger
- Institute of Pathology and Forensic Veterinary Medicine (Weissenbacher-Lang, Fuchs-Baumgartinger, Klang, Weissenböck), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Diagnostic Imaging (Kneissl), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Small Animal Surgery (Pirker), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Internal Medicine Small Animals (Shibly, Künzel), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Anesthesiology and Perioperative Intensive-Care Medicine (von Ritgen), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andrea Klang
- Institute of Pathology and Forensic Veterinary Medicine (Weissenbacher-Lang, Fuchs-Baumgartinger, Klang, Weissenböck), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Diagnostic Imaging (Kneissl), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Small Animal Surgery (Pirker), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Internal Medicine Small Animals (Shibly, Künzel), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Anesthesiology and Perioperative Intensive-Care Medicine (von Ritgen), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sibylle Kneissl
- Institute of Pathology and Forensic Veterinary Medicine (Weissenbacher-Lang, Fuchs-Baumgartinger, Klang, Weissenböck), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Diagnostic Imaging (Kneissl), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Small Animal Surgery (Pirker), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Internal Medicine Small Animals (Shibly, Künzel), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Anesthesiology and Perioperative Intensive-Care Medicine (von Ritgen), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Armin Pirker
- Institute of Pathology and Forensic Veterinary Medicine (Weissenbacher-Lang, Fuchs-Baumgartinger, Klang, Weissenböck), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Diagnostic Imaging (Kneissl), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Small Animal Surgery (Pirker), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Internal Medicine Small Animals (Shibly, Künzel), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Anesthesiology and Perioperative Intensive-Care Medicine (von Ritgen), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sarina Shibly
- Institute of Pathology and Forensic Veterinary Medicine (Weissenbacher-Lang, Fuchs-Baumgartinger, Klang, Weissenböck), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Diagnostic Imaging (Kneissl), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Small Animal Surgery (Pirker), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Internal Medicine Small Animals (Shibly, Künzel), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Anesthesiology and Perioperative Intensive-Care Medicine (von Ritgen), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Stephanie von Ritgen
- Institute of Pathology and Forensic Veterinary Medicine (Weissenbacher-Lang, Fuchs-Baumgartinger, Klang, Weissenböck), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Diagnostic Imaging (Kneissl), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Small Animal Surgery (Pirker), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Internal Medicine Small Animals (Shibly, Künzel), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Anesthesiology and Perioperative Intensive-Care Medicine (von Ritgen), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Herbert Weissenböck
- Institute of Pathology and Forensic Veterinary Medicine (Weissenbacher-Lang, Fuchs-Baumgartinger, Klang, Weissenböck), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Diagnostic Imaging (Kneissl), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Small Animal Surgery (Pirker), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Internal Medicine Small Animals (Shibly, Künzel), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Anesthesiology and Perioperative Intensive-Care Medicine (von Ritgen), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Frank Künzel
- Institute of Pathology and Forensic Veterinary Medicine (Weissenbacher-Lang, Fuchs-Baumgartinger, Klang, Weissenböck), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Diagnostic Imaging (Kneissl), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Small Animal Surgery (Pirker), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Internal Medicine Small Animals (Shibly, Künzel), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Anesthesiology and Perioperative Intensive-Care Medicine (von Ritgen), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|