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Macías-Rioseco M, Sheley M, Ochoa J, Carvallo-Chaigneau FR, Uzal FA. Coccidioidomycosis in 26 horses in California, USA: case series and review of the literature. J Vet Diagn Invest 2022; 34:995-999. [PMID: 35879871 PMCID: PMC9597331 DOI: 10.1177/10406387221114622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Coccidioidomycosis is a fungal disease caused by Coccidioides immitis or Coccidioides posadasii. We searched the records of the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory from 1990 through 2020 for cases of coccidioidomycosis in horses. The selection criteria for these cases were: 1) live-born horses submitted for autopsy, and 2) a diagnosis of coccidioidomycosis was established, regardless of cause of death. During that time, 19,054 horses were received, and 26 cases (0.14%) of coccidioidomycosis were diagnosed in horses, of which 19 (73%) cases had pneumonia and/or pleuritis with or without lesions in other organs, and 7 (27%) cases had lesions only in organs other than the lungs (nasal mucosa, spleen, thoracic lymph nodes, heart, pericardial sac, liver, kidney, mediastinum, and/or mesentery). Pneumonia was diagnosed as the cause of death in 1,838 (9.64%) of the horses received; Coccidioides spp. was the cause of pneumonia in 19 (1.0%) of these animals. Horses have been reported to have low susceptibility to coccidioidomycosis, and the severity and chronicity of the disease can be variable. Lesions in our cases consisted of multifocal-to-coalescing pyogranulomas with intralesional fungal spherules. Coccidioidomycosis must be considered a differential diagnosis in cases of persistent cough, chronic weight loss, fever, and cases with a travel history to, or living in, a region considered endemic for coccidioidomycosis. Coccidioides spp. infection should also be considered when pyogranulomatous inflammation is found within lung, spleen, nasal mucosa, and lymph nodes of horses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jennine Ochoa
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory, Tulare
| | | | - Francisco A Uzal
- San Bernardino Laboratories, and School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, CA, USA
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Havis BM, Walker KE, Adkins PRF, Shen Z, Middleton JR, Gull T, Nagy D, Kim DY. Systemic coccidioidomycosis in a llama cria native to Missouri. J Vet Diagn Invest 2021; 33:587-590. [PMID: 33583365 DOI: 10.1177/1040638721994615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A 3-mo-old male llama was examined because of a 4-wk history of lethargy and ill thrift. Clinical examination revealed subcutaneous masses in the left prescapular and right inguinal regions, mild ataxia, a slight head tilt to the right, and right ear droop. The cria died before clinical workup was complete. At autopsy, there was generalized lymphadenomegaly, a hepatic nodule, a midbrain mass causing rostral compression of the cerebellum, and internal hydrocephalus. Microscopic findings included pyogranulomatous lymphadenitis, meningoencephalitis, hepatitis, and bronchopneumonia. Intralesional fungal spherules, most consistent with Coccidioides spp., were identified in the lymph nodes, lung, and brain. Fungal culture, single-nucleotide variation genotyping real-time PCR, and DNA sequencing confirmed Coccidioides posadasii. The dam of the cria was native to Arizona and had been moved to Missouri ~2.5 y previously. Agar gel immunodiffusion assay of the herd revealed that only the dam was positive for Coccidioides spp.; 6 herdmates were negative. Computed tomography of the dam revealed multiple nodules within the lungs and liver, which were presumed to be an active coccidioidomycosis infection. This case of systemic coccidioidomycosis in a llama native to Missouri was presumably acquired by vertical transmission from the dam.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett M Havis
- Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
| | - Kelsey E Walker
- Veterinary Health Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
| | - Pamela R F Adkins
- Veterinary Health Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
| | - Zhenyu Shen
- Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
| | - John R Middleton
- Veterinary Health Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
| | - Tamara Gull
- Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
| | - Dusty Nagy
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - Dae Young Kim
- Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
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Del Rocío Reyes-Montes M, Pérez-Huitrón MA, Ocaña-Monroy JL, Frías-De-León MG, Martínez-Herrera E, Arenas R, Duarte-Escalante E. The habitat of Coccidioides spp. and the role of animals as reservoirs and disseminators in nature. BMC Infect Dis 2016; 16:550. [PMID: 27724885 PMCID: PMC5057265 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-016-1902-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2015] [Accepted: 10/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coccidioidomycosis, a potentially fatal fungal infection, is considered an emergent mycotic disease because of the increased incidence of fungal infections registered over recent years. Infection occurs through the inhalation of arthroconidia from two main species of Coccidioides: Coccidioides immitis and C. posadasii, which are both endemic to arid and semi-arid regions of North America. Coccidioides species not only infect humans but can also infect other mammals (land, aquatic, wild or domestic), reptiles and birds. OBJECTIVE To obtain information regarding the habitat of Coccidioides spp. and the animals infected by this fungus and to identify the role that infected animals play as reservoirs and disseminators of this fungus in nature. MATERIALS A literature review was conducted to identify the habitat of Coccidioides spp. and the infected non-human animal species targeted by this fungus. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS This review allows us to suggest that Coccidioides spp. may be classified as halotolerant organisms; nevertheless, to perpetuate their life cycle, these organisms depend on different animal species (reservoirs) that serve as a link with the environment, by acting as disseminators of the fungi in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Del Rocío Reyes-Montes
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad Universitaria No. 3000, Coyoacán, 04510, México Cd.Mx., Mexico
| | - María Ameyali Pérez-Huitrón
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad Universitaria No. 3000, Coyoacán, 04510, México Cd.Mx., Mexico
| | - Jorge Luis Ocaña-Monroy
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad Universitaria No. 3000, Coyoacán, 04510, México Cd.Mx., Mexico
| | - María Guadalupe Frías-De-León
- División de Investigación, Hospital Juárez de México, Edificio E. Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional 5160, Col. Magdalena de las Salinas, 07760, México Cd.Mx., Mexico
| | - Erick Martínez-Herrera
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad Universitaria No. 3000, Coyoacán, 04510, México Cd.Mx., Mexico
| | - Roberto Arenas
- Unidad de Micología, Hospital General "Manuel Gea González", Av. Calzada de Tlalpan 4800, Tlalpan, 14080, México, Cd.Mx., Mexico
| | - Esperanza Duarte-Escalante
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad Universitaria No. 3000, Coyoacán, 04510, México Cd.Mx., Mexico.
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Labuschagne H, Burns C, Martinez S, Carrillo M, Waggoner M, Schwanninger I, Maher J, Hampton M, Flores-Guardado J, Schlabritz-Loutsevitch NE. Coccidioidomycosis in pregnancy: Case report and literature review of associated placental lesions. Case Rep Womens Health 2016; 12:5-10. [PMID: 29629302 PMCID: PMC5886004 DOI: 10.1016/j.crwh.2016.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 10/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coccidioidomycosis is an endemic fungal infection found most commonly in the Southwestern United States, Northwestern Mexico, and parts of Central and South America. Although infection is relatively uncommon during pregnancy, it is imperative to have an index of suspicion in order to diagnose and begin timely treatment to prevent dissemination and dire consequences. CASE REPORT A 33-year-old Hispanic female was evaluated after she was involved in an automobile accident. Radiographic evaluation showed a 3.2 × 3.2 cm cavitary thick-walled lesion. A biopsy was negative for malignancy. Evaluation was positive for coccidioidomycosis by complement fixation reaction. Four months later, the patient presented 7 weeks into a pregnancy with massive hemoptysis. Bronchoscopy revealed bleeding from the right upper lobe and emergency embolization was performed. The patient had a spontaneous abortion 9 days after admission. The right upper and middle lobes of the lung were resected due to continuous bleeding. A subsequent pregnancy was un-eventful. Coccidioidomycosis titers remained negative throughout the second pregnancy. DISCUSSION This case demonstrates the potential for severe pulmonary coccidioidomycosis and vascular strain of pregnancy-associated vascular expansion in the first trimester of pregnancy and the possibility of a favorable pregnancy outcome in subsequent pregnancies after appropriate treatment. The route of feto-maternal transmission and placental lesions in coccidioidomycosis are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heloise Labuschagne
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at the Permian Basin, Odessa, TX, USA
| | - C. Burns
- Department of Pathology, Medical Center Hospital, Odessa, TX, USA
| | - Stacy Martinez
- Department of Academic Affairs, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at the Permian Basin, Odessa, TX, USA
| | - Maira Carrillo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at the Permian Basin, Odessa, TX, USA
| | - Melissa Waggoner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at the Permian Basin, Odessa, TX, USA
| | - Irene Schwanninger
- Department of Academic Affairs, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at the Permian Basin, Odessa, TX, USA
| | - James Maher
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at the Permian Basin, Odessa, TX, USA
| | - Moss Hampton
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at the Permian Basin, Odessa, TX, USA
| | - Javier Flores-Guardado
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at the Permian Basin, Odessa, TX, USA
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Brilhante RSN, Bittencourt PV, Lima RAC, Castelo-Branco D, Oliveira JS, Pinheiro A, Cordeiro R, Camargo ZP, Sidrim JJC, Rocha MFG. Coccidioidomycosis and Histoplasmosis in Equines: An Overview to Support the Accurate Diagnosis. J Equine Vet Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2016.02.230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Diab S, Johnson SM, Garcia J, Carlson EL, Pappagianis D, Smith J, Uzal FA. Case report: Abortion and disseminated infection by Coccidioides posadasii in an alpaca (Vicugna pacos) fetus in Southern California. Med Mycol Case Rep 2013; 2:159-62. [PMID: 24432245 PMCID: PMC3885961 DOI: 10.1016/j.mmcr.2013.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2013] [Revised: 10/23/2013] [Accepted: 10/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Coccidioidomycosis is a fungal disease affecting humans and other mammals caused by the soil-dwelling fungi Coccidioides immitis and C. posadasii. Abortion due to Coccidioides spp. infection is rare in domestic animals and transplacental transmission is considered uncommon in women. This report describes a case of placental-fetal infection and abortion in an alpaca with disseminated C. posadasii infection. PCR amplification and DNA sequencing were used to confirm the etiology, C. posadasii, in fetal tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Diab
- California Animal Health & Food Safety Laboratory System (CAHFS), San Bernardino branch. University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Suzanne M Johnson
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Jorge Garcia
- California Animal Health & Food Safety Laboratory System (CAHFS), San Bernardino branch. University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Erin L Carlson
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Demosthenes Pappagianis
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | | | - Francisco A Uzal
- California Animal Health & Food Safety Laboratory System (CAHFS), San Bernardino branch. University of California, Davis, CA, USA
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Cafarchia C, Figueredo LA, Otranto D. Fungal diseases of horses. Vet Microbiol 2013; 167:215-34. [PMID: 23428378 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2013.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2012] [Revised: 01/13/2013] [Accepted: 01/17/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Among diseases of horses caused by fungi (=mycoses), dermatophytosis, cryptococcosis and aspergillosis are of particular concern, due their worldwide diffusion and, for some of them, zoonotic potential. Conversely, other mycoses such as subcutaneous (i.e., pythiosis and mycetoma) or deep mycoses (i.e., blastomycosis and coccidioidomycosis) are rare, and/or limited to restricted geographical areas. Generally, subcutaneous and deep mycoses are chronic and progressive diseases; clinical signs include extensive, painful lesions (not pathognomonic), which resemble to other microbial infections. In all cases, early diagnosis is crucial in order to achieve a favorable prognosis. Knowledge of the epidemiology, clinical signs, and diagnosis of fungal diseases is essential for the establishment of effective therapeutic strategies. This article reviews the clinical manifestations, diagnosis and therapeutic protocols of equine fungal infections as a support to early diagnosis and application of targeted therapeutic and control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Cafarchia
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Str. prov.le per Casamassima Km 3, 70010 Valenzano, Bari, Italy.
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Higgins JC, Pusterla N, Pappagianis D. Comparison of Coccidioides immitis serological antibody titres between forms of clinical coccidioidomycosis in horses. Vet J 2007; 173:118-23. [PMID: 16249106 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2005.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/31/2005] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
A retrospective study was performed to determine if there is an association between serological Coccidioides immitis antibody titres (IgG) and form/severity of coccidioidal disease in horses, and to identify trends in survival and treatment success based on the form of the disease. Data were obtained on horses with positive serological titres tested at the Coccidioidomycosis Serology Laboratory, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis from 1981 to 2004. Thirty-nine cases in which a diagnosis of coccidioidomycosis had been made were selected for inclusion. Six distinct categories were identified including abortion (n=6), miliary/interstitial pneumonia (n=6), pneumonia with thoracic effusion (pleural or pericardial) (n=11), disseminated (n=10), osteomyelitis (n=3) and external abscessation (n=3) both without pulmonary disease. Statistical differences in titre distribution were found between the abortion category and the pulmonary category (P=0.003), the abortion category and pneumonia with thoracic effusion (P=0.001), the abortion category and disseminated disease (P=0.001), and the pulmonary form and pneumonia with effusion (P=0.001). The other categories had overlapping titre results. Higher serological antibody titres seemed to be associated with a poorer prognosis for survival. Categories with the highest titres, disseminated (geometric mean titre=104) and pneumonia with thoracic effusion (geometric mean titre=226), were overwhelmingly fatal (19/21 known deaths) due to severe clinical disease. The categories with lower titres, abortion (geometric mean titre=4), bone involvement only (geometric mean titre=13) and cutaneous (geometric mean titre=5), had a better survival rate (10/12 known survivors) and less severe clinical disease. Measurement of serological titre may be a useful diagnostic aid in establishing form and severity of disease and thus inform prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill C Higgins
- Loomis Basin Large Animal Services, Loomis, CA 95650, USA.
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Higgins JC, Leith GS, Voss ED, Pappagianis D. Seroprevalence of antibodies against Coccidioides immitis in healthy horses. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2005; 226:1888-92. [PMID: 15934257 DOI: 10.2460/javma.2005.226.1888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the seroprevalence of antibodies against Coccidioides immitis in healthy horses residing in an area in which the organism is endemic. DESIGN Prospective study. ANIMALS 197 healthy horses (in which coccidioidomycosis had not been previously diagnosed) that resided in an area of Arizona in which coccidioidomycosis is endemic. PROCEDURE Of the horses evaluated at the Arizona Equine Medical and Surgical Center during a 6-month period, 197 with no clinical signs of coccidioidomycosis were randomly selected for inclusion in the study; sera were evaluated for IgM and IgG antibodies against C immitis via an immunodiffusion assay (IgG-positive samples were assessed quantitatively). Within 6 months, recheck titer evaluations were attempted for all seropositive horses. RESULTS Serum antibodies against C immitis were detected in 8 of 197 horses (seroprevalence, 4.06%). Results of serologic assays were positive for IgG antibodies and negative for IgM antibodies in 7 horses and positive for both IgG and IgM antibodies in 1 horse; reciprocal serum IgG antibody titers were low (none > 8). Follow-up serologic data were obtained from 5 horses; compared with initial findings, horses had become seronegative or titers were unchanged or decreased. Duration of residence in the area was significantly shorter for seropositive horses than for seronegative horses. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Serum antibodies against C immitis may rarely be detected in healthy horses residing in an area in which the disease is endemic; any horse with a detectable serum antibody titer should be reevaluated after an interval of at least 3 weeks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill C Higgins
- Arizona Equine Medical and Surgical Center, 1685 S Gilbert Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85296, USA
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Maleski K, Magdesian KG, LaFranco-Scheuch L, Pappagianis D, Carlson GP. Pulmonary coccidioidomycosis in a neonatal foal. Vet Rec 2002; 151:505-8. [PMID: 12430999 DOI: 10.1136/vr.151.17.505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
A 13-day-old foal with profound tachypnoea and respiratory distress was examined. Thoracic radiographs revealed a severe, diffuse miliary pattern, and the foal was markedly hypoxaemic. It failed to improve with empirical treatment, and was euthanased. Lesions associated with Coccidioides immitis infection were identified at postmortem examination, and were limited to the lower respiratory tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Maleski
- Large Animal Clinic, Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, California, Davis, USA
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Abstract. Vet Rec 2002. [DOI: 10.1136/vr.151.17.508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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