Diagnostic Aspects of Veterinary and Human Aspergillosis

Itraconazole in human medicine and veterinary practice

Diagnosis and management of fungal infections are challenging in both animals and humans, especially in immunologically weakened hosts. Due to its broad spectrum and safety profile when compared to other antifungals, itraconazole (ITZ) has been widely used in the treatment and prophylaxis of fungal infections, both in human and veterinary medicine. The dose and duration of management depend on factors such as the type of fungal pathogen, the site of infection, sensitivity to ITZ, chronic stages of the disease, the health status of the hosts, pharmacological interactions with other medications and the therapeutic protocol used. In veterinary practice, ITZ doses generally vary between 3 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg, once or twice a day. In humans, doses usually vary between 100 and 400 mg/day. As human and veterinary fungal infections are increasingly associated, and ITZ is one of the main medications used, this review addresses relevant aspects related to the use of this drug in both clinics, including case reports and different clinical aspects available in the literature.

A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF RETROSPECTIVE MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY STUDIES ON CAPTIVE WILDLIFE SPECIES

Zoological institutions manage animals for conservation, education, entertainment, and research purposes. Zoological staff have a responsibility to safeguard the welfare of animals in their care. Retrospective morbidity and/or mortality studies (MMSs) can be useful tools to highlight common diseases in captive wildlife populations. There is currently no standardized methodology for conducting MMSs. Variation in the methodology of MMSs, particularly the categorization of diseases, can make comparisons between studies challenging and may limit the applicability of the results. A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) compliant systematic review was performed, which identified 67 MMSs describing 146 species of captive wildlife. These MMSs are becoming more common and were predominantly performed on mammals (76/146). Prospective authors are encouraged to perform MMSs on amphibians, birds, reptiles, fish, and invertebrates. The studied animals were mostly managed at institutions in the United States of America (28/67, 41.2%) and Europe (14/67, 20.9%). Classifying individuals into age groups facilitates the identification of disease trends within age classes. Only 22/67 (32.8%) studies cited justification for their age classification; classifications should be based on a referenced source on the breeding biology of the studied species. There is variation in the body systems used by authors and into which system a disease is categorized, which makes study comparisons challenging. Diseases were predominantly categorized by etiology and body system (28/77, 36.4%). Because of its ubiquity, the use of the categorization system employed by the pathology module of the Zoological Information Management System is recommended as a useful standard. This system is imperfect, and amendments to it are suggested. The results and recommendations of this study were discussed with a panel of zoo and wildlife experts; guidelines have been formulated for prospective authors aiming to conduct MMSs in captive wildlife.

Dermatitis, cellulitis, and osteomyelitis caused by Aspergillus nidulans in a horse with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction

Clinical and histologic examination of a 12-y-old client-owned Quarter Horse gelding with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction revealed dermatitis, cellulitis, and osteomyelitis caused by Aspergillus nidulans, confirmed by a PCR assay. This novel presentation of a fungal disease in a horse was characterized by aggressive local invasion and failure to respond to all medical therapy attempted over a 1-y period. Treatments included systemic and topical antifungals, anti-inflammatories, and use of cellular matrices. Surgical excision was not attempted but should be strongly considered early in the disease process in similar cases if clean margins can be achieved. Postmortem findings were of locally aggressive disease with no dissemination.

Accelerating the understanding of Aspergillus terreus: Epidemiology, physiology, immunology and advances

Aspergillus species encompass a variety of infections, ranging from invasive aspergillosis to allergic conditions, contingent upon the immune status of the host. In this spectrum, Aspergillus terreus stands out due to its emergence as a notable pathogen and its intrinsic resistance to amphotericin-B. The significance of Aspergillus-associated infections has witnessed a marked increase in the past few decades, particularly with the increasing number of immunocompromised individuals. The exploration of epidemiology, morphological transitions, immunopathology, and novel treatment approaches such as new antifungal drugs (PC945, olorofim) and combinational therapy using antifungal drugs and phytochemicals (Phytochemicals: quercetin, shikonin, artemisinin), also using immunotherapies to modulate immune response has resulted in better outcomes. Furthermore, in the context COVID-19 era and its aftermath, fungal infections have emerged as a substantial challenge for both immunocompromised and immunocompetent individuals. This is attributed to the use of immune-suppressing therapies during COVID-19 infections and the increase in transplant cases. Consequently, this review aims to provide an updated overview encompassing the epidemiology, germination events, immunopathology, and novel drug treatment strategies against Aspergillus terreus-associated infections.

Eukaryotic Infections in Dairy Calves: Impacts, Diagnosis, and Strategies for Prevention and Control

Eukaryotic infections are common among dairy calves and can have significant impacts on their health and growth rates. Fungal infections caused by Aspergillus fumigatus, Trichophyton verrucosum, and Candida albicans can cause respiratory diseases, dermatophytosis, and diarrhea, respectively. Protozoan parasites, including Cryptosporidium parvum, Giardia duodenalis, and Eimeria spp., are also common in dairy calves. C. parvum is highly contagious and can cause severe diarrhea and dehydration, while Giardia duodenalis can lead to poor growth and is transmissible to humans through contaminated food or water. Eimeria spp. can cause coccidiosis and lead to reduced growth rates, poor feed conversion, and death. The common helminthic infections in dairy calves include Ostertagia ostertagi, Cooperia spp., Fasciola hepatica, and Strongyloides papillosus. These parasitic infections significantly impact calf health, growth, and dairy industry productivity. Diagnosis of these infections can be made through fecal samples using microscopy or molecular methods. However, diagnosis of the infections can be challenging and requires a combination of clinical signs and laboratory tests such as culture and PCR. Preventing and controlling eukaryotic infections in dairy calves requires several measures. Good hygiene and sanitation practices, proper management strategies, and timely treatment of affected animals are important. It is also necessary to avoid overcrowding and consider vaccination against ringworm. Further research is needed to better understand the epidemiology and characterization of eukaryotic infections in dairy calves, which will help in the development of more effective prevention and control strategies. In general, good hygiene practices, appropriate management strategies, and timely treatment of affected animals are crucial in preventing and controlling the infections, ensuring the health and well-being of dairy calves.

Presence of Aspergillus fumigatus with the TR34/L98H Cyp51A mutation and other azole-resistant aspergilli in the air of a zoological park

Antifungal-resistant fungi, including Aspergillus fumigatus and other Aspergillus species, pose an urgent threat to human and animal health. Furthermore, the environmental route of azole resistance selection due to the widespread use of azole fungicides in crop protection and other applications is a major public health issue. Although environmental surveillance of fungi is frequently performed in many zoological parks and wildlife rehabilitation centers, the antifungal susceptibility of recovered isolates is only rarely analyzed, which precludes a clear assessment of the threat posed by these fungi to captive animals. In this study, we assessed the presence of airborne azole-resistant Aspergillus spp., including the so-called 'cryptic species' (i.e., species which are phenotypically similar to more well-known aspergilli but clearly constitute different phylogenetic lineages) in a zoological park located in the city of Madrid, Spain. In general, our results revealed a low prevalence A. fumigatus and cryptic aspergilli with decreased susceptibility to azoles. However, we detected an A. fumigatus isolate with the TR34/L98H mutation in the gene encoding the lanosterol 14α-demethylase (Cyp51A), consisting of a tandem repeat of 34 base pairs in the promoter region and a lysine to histidine substitution at codon 98. Notably, this TR34/L98H mutation has been linked to the environmental route of azole resistance selection, thus highlighting the 'One Health' dimension of the emerging problem of antifungal resistance. In this context, continuous environmental surveillance of azole-resistant aspergilli in zoological parks and other similar animal facilities is recommended.

Fungi's Swiss Army Knife: Pleiotropic Effect of Melanin in Fungal Pathogenesis during Cattle Mycosis

Fungal threats to public health, food security, and biodiversity have escalated, with a significant rise in mycosis cases globally. Around 300 million people suffer from severe fungal diseases annually, while one-third of food crops are decimated by fungi. Vertebrate, including livestock, are also affected. Our limited understanding of fungal virulence mechanisms hampers our ability to prevent and treat cattle mycoses. Here we aim to bridge knowledge gaps in fungal virulence factors and the role of melanin in evading bovine immune responses. We investigate mycosis in bovines employing a PRISMA-based methodology, bioinformatics, and data mining techniques. Our analysis identified 107 fungal species causing mycoses, primarily within the Ascomycota division. Candida, Aspergillus, Malassezia, and Trichophyton were the most prevalent genera. Of these pathogens, 25% produce melanin. Further research is required to explore the involvement of melanin and develop intervention strategies. While the literature on melanin-mediated fungal evasion mechanisms in cattle is lacking, we successfully evaluated the transferability of immunological mechanisms from other model mammals through homology. Bioinformatics enables knowledge transfer and enhances our understanding of mycosis in cattle. This synthesis fills critical information gaps and paves the way for proposing biotechnological strategies to mitigate the impact of mycoses in cattle.

Cervico-Dorsal Intramedullary Spinal Cord Abscess with Aspergillus fumigates following Pulmonary Infection in an Immunocompetent Patient

Invasive forms of aspergillosis of the nervous system are relatively rare and are usually diagnosed in immunocompromised patients. We present the case of a young female patient, treated in the last two months with corticosteroids and antifungal drug for pulmonary aspergillosis, who developed progressive paraparesis. An intramedullary abscess at the C7-D1 level was identified and the lesion was treated with a combination of surgery and antifungal therapy. Histopathologic findings of surgical specimens showed myelomalacia with Aspergillus hyphae and a peripheral rim of neutrophils. We consider that the use of multiple drugs and corticosteroids for our patient's initial community pneumonia could be the factor that transformed her into a mildly immunocompromised individual and permitted the Aspergillus spp. to disseminate through the blood and into the spinal cord. Moreover, we highlight the fact that more attention should be paid to living and working conditions of the patients, as a simple colonization of the lung with Aspergillus spp. could develop, in a short time, into an invasive disease with a high risk of mortality.

IN VIVO CONFOCAL MICROSCOPY FOR CHARACTERIZATION OF MYCOTIC KERATITIS IN OWLS (BUBO SCANDIACUS, STRIX VARIA) AND A WOODCOCK (SCOLOPAX MINOR): THREE CASES

This case series describes the use of in vivo confocal microscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of mycotic keratitis in two owls (one Bubo scandiacus, one Strix varia) and one woodcock (Scolopax minor). Each bird was at increased risk of fungal infection due to recent injury or stress. Ophthalmic findings in all birds included blepharospasm, ocular discharge, ulcerative keratitis, white or yellow corneal plaques, and anterior uveitis. Fungal hyphae were identified in corneal samples from all three eyes examined cytologically and in all three eyes by using in vivo confocal microscopy. Aspergillus fumigatus was isolated from a corneal culture in one bird. Despite medical treatment, progressive ocular disease prompted enucleation in two birds. Fungal hyphae were detected by histopathology in one of the two enucleated eyes. In vivo confocal microscopy aided the diagnosis of fungal keratitis in all birds and was the only diagnostic method that allowed immediate, real-time quantification of the extent (area and depth) and severity of mycotic keratitis.

Aspergillosis in free-ranging Magellanic penguins

We evaluated the mortality due to aspergillosis in free-ranging Magellanic penguins during their migration and the reproductive season. A total of 98 carcasses of penguins were collected along 370 km of coastline in Southern Brazil, between June 2017 and October 2019, and from reproductive colonies in Patagonian Argentina, in January 2019. All animals were necropsied, and only proven cases were computed. Aspergillosis was diagnosed in 2.5% of the penguins evaluated during their migration route. Our study, of the Southern coast of Brazil, is the first to demonstrate that aspergillosis is an important cause of mortality in free-ranging penguins. The implications of these findings in the One Health context are discussed.

Diagnosis of Aspergillosis in Horses

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) may be a rare cause of granulomatous pneumonia in horses. The mortality of IPA is almost 100%; direct diagnostic tools in horses are needed. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and serum samples were collected from 18 horses, including individuals suffering from IPA (n = 1), equine asthma (EA, n = 12), and 5 healthy controls. Serum samples were collected from another 6 healthy controls. Samples of BALF (n = 18) were analyzed for Aspergillus spp. DNA, fungal galactomannan (GM), ferricrocin (Fc), triacetylfusarinin C (TafC), and gliotoxin (Gtx). Analysis of 24 serum samples for (1,3)-β-D-glucan (BDG) and GM was performed. Median serum BDG levels were 131 pg/mL in controls and 1142 pg/mL in IPA. Similar trends were observed in BALF samples for GM (Area under the Curve (AUC) = 0.941) and DNA (AUC = 0.941). The fungal secondary metabolite Gtx was detected in IPA BALF and lung tissue samples (86 ng/mL and 2.17 ng/mg, AUC = 1).

Challenges to establish the diagnosis of aspergillosis in non-laboratory animals: looking for alternatives in veterinary medicine and demonstration of feasibility through two concrete examples in penguins and dolphins

Aspergillosis remains difficult to diagnose in animals. Laboratory-based assays are far less developed than those for human medicine, and only few studies have been completed to validate their utility in routine veterinary diagnostics. To overcome the current limitations, veterinarians and researchers have to propose alternative methods including extrapolating from human diagnostic tools and using innovative technology. In the present overview, two specific examples were complementarily addressed in penguins and dolphins to illustrate how is challenging the diagnosis of aspergillosis in animals. Specific focus will be made on the novel application of simple testing in blood based on serological assays or protein electrophoresis and on the new information garnered from metabolomics/proteomics to discover potential new biomarkers. In conclusion, while the diagnostic approach of aspergillosis in veterinary medicine cannot be directly taken from options developed for human medicine, it can certainly serve as inspiration.

First Case Report of Aspergillary Rhinopharyngitis in a Foal From Chile

We present the first case of rhinopharyngitis due to Aspergillus fumigatus in a purebred Chilean horse. Clinically, manifested mucopurulent discharge from both nostrils, inflammation of the nasal, ocular, and ear mucosa; associated with decay and hyporexia. Based on the clinical signs and analysis of the mycological and molecular transtracheal aspirate sample, the present case was diagnosed as Aspergillus fumigatus rhinopharyngitis. After the antifungal susceptibility test, oral itraconazole treatment was maintained for 45 days, showing no clinical sign.

Selection and Amplification of Fungicide Resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus in Relation to DMI Fungicide Use in Agronomic Settings: Hotspots versus Coldspots

Aspergillus fumigatus is a ubiquitous saprophytic fungus. Inhalation of A. fumigatus spores can lead to Invasive Aspergillosis (IA) in people with weakened immune systems. The use of triazole antifungals with the demethylation inhibitor (DMI) mode of action to treat IA is being hampered by the spread of DMI-resistant "ARAf" (azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus) genotypes. DMIs are also used in the environment, for example, as fungicides to protect yield and quality in agronomic settings, which may lead to exposure of A. fumigatus to DMI residues. An agronomic setting can be a "hotspot" for ARAf if it provides a suitable substrate and favourable conditions for the growth of A. fumigatus in the presence of DMI fungicides at concentrations capable of selecting ARAf genotypes at the expense of the susceptible wild-type, followed by the release of predominantly resistant spores. Agronomic settings that do not provide these conditions are considered "coldspots". Identifying and mitigating hotspots will be key to securing the agronomic use of DMIs without compromising their use in medicine. We provide a review of studies of the prevalence of ARAf in various agronomic settings and discuss the mitigation options for confirmed hotspots, particularly those relating to the management of crop waste.

A global view on fungal infections in humans and animals: opportunistic infections and microsporidioses

After cardiovascular diseases, infectious diseases are the second most common cause of death worldwide. Although these infections are caused mainly by viruses or bacteria, a systematically growing prevalence of human and animal opportunistic fungal infections is noticeable worldwide. More attention is being paid to this problem, especially due to the growing frequency of recalcitrant and recurrent mycoses. The latter are classically divided into superficial, which are the most common type, subcutaneous, and systemic. This work discusses opportunistic fungal pathogens without proven horizontal transmission between different animal species including humans and microsporidia as spore-forming unicellular parasites related to fungi; however, with a yet undetermined taxonomic position. The review also mentions aetiological agents, risk factors, epidemiology, geographical distribution, and finally symptoms characteristic for individual disease entities. This paper provides insight into fungal infections from a global perspective and simultaneously draws attention to emerging pathogens, whose prevalence is continuously increasing. Finally, this work also takes into consideration the correct nomenclature of fungal disease entities and the importance of secondary metabolites in the pathogenesis of fungal infections.

Aspergillus terreus Species Complex

Infections due to Aspergillus species are an acute threat to human health; members of the Aspergillus section Fumigati are the most frequently occurring agents, but depending on the local epidemiology, representatives of section Terrei or section Flavi are the second or third most important. Aspergillus terreus species complex is of great interest, as it is usually amphotericin B resistant and displays notable differences in immune interactions in comparison to Aspergillus fumigatus. The latest epidemiological surveys show an increased incidence of A. terreus as well as an expanding clinical spectrum (chronic infections) and new groups of at-risk patients being affected. Hallmarks of these non-Aspergillus fumigatus invasive mold infections are high potential for tissue invasion, dissemination, and possible morbidity due to mycotoxin production. We seek to review the microbiology, epidemiology, and pathogenesis of A. terreus species complex, address clinical characteristics, and highlight the underlying mechanisms of amphotericin B resistance. Selected topics will contrast key elements of A. terreus with A. fumigatus. We provide a comprehensive resource for clinicians dealing with fungal infections and researchers working on A. terreus pathogenesis, aiming to bridge the emerging translational knowledge and future therapeutic challenges on this opportunistic pathogen.

Three new indole diterpenoids from Aspergillus aculeatus KKU-CT2

Three new indole diterpenoids, aculeatupenes A-C (1-3), together with four known compounds (4-7), were isolated from the mycelium of Aspergillus aculeatus KKU-CT2. Their structures were established by spectroscopic evidence and absolute configurations of 1-3 were determined by comparison of their experimental and calculated ECD spectra. Compounds 1, 2, and emindole SB (4) showed weak cytotoxicity against HelaS3, KB, HepG2, MCF-7, and A549 cancer cell lines with IC₅₀ values in the range of 11.12-67.81 μM. Compound 3 showed weak cytotoxicity against HelaS3 cell lines with an IC₅₀ value of 17.48 μM but non-cytotoxicity against Vero cell line. In addition, compound 1 exhibited weak antibacterial activity against Bacillus cereus.

Analysis of Antimicrobial Properties of PVA-Based Coatings with Silver and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles

Abstract

Public places such as swimming pools, saunas and jacuzzis are at high risk of developing microorganisms and are a potential source of disease. Above all, increased temperature and humidity favour this. A relatively new but effective way to combat microorganisms is to subject them to metal or metal oxide nanoparticles. The paper presents a method of obtaining nanocompositions for direct application at the place of occurrence of the microorganisms. The advantage of nanocompositions is that they can easily be removed from the infected surface in the form of a film containing dead organic matter. The article investigates the biocidal properties against common microorganisms such as Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans of nanocompositions containing silver nanoparticles and nanometric zinc oxide. The physicochemical properties of the nanocompositions were characterised and the antifungal properties of the preparations obtained determined using the suspension method. The results showed that the PVA-based compositions obtained were able effectively to inhibit the growth of the tested strains. Elongation of contact time between microorganism and nanoparticles which was changed from 5 to 60 min resulted in higher antimicrobial activity. It was manifested in reduced growth area. The same observation was made when the concentration of used nanoparticles was increased. When the concentration of nanosilver raised from 12.5 up to 200 ppm, the development of Aspergillus niger was slower. Increasing of zinc oxide nanoparticles concentration resulted in growth inhibition of Candida albicans strain.

Graphic Abstract

Investigation of Alternative Therapeutic and Biocidal Options to Combat Antifungal-Resistant Zoonotic Fungal Pathogens Isolated from Companion Animals

Fungal skin infections and iatrogenic disease of companion animals continue to be an ongoing issue for veterinarians, where misdiagnosis or inapt medical treatment result in secondary conditions within animals. The widespread use of antifungals in both modern medicine and agriculture has resulted in concomitant resistance in species, where zoonotic transfer poses a risk to public health. Studies described herein assess the resistance of pathogenic species isolated from companion animals to a battery of conventional antimicrobial agents. Levels of resistance were detected using recognised in vitro methods, where additional novel therapeutic and biocide options were also extensively investigated. Results show high levels of resistance to the three main families of antifungal agents, namely caspofungin, Amp B and fluconazole. Resistance in Candida, Cryptococcal, Aspergillus and Trichophyton species is described herein, highlighting the need for defined species-specific antifungal breakpoints, and for Malassezia and Wickerhamomyces anomalus species which also have zoonotic potential. Novel compound phendione showed promising antimicrobial activity, with MICs determined for both fungal and bacterial species. The biocidal options investigated also showed potential to act as intermediate-level disinfectants, where peracetic acid proved most effective against fungal spore formers.

The sino-nasal warzone: transcriptomic and genomic studies on sino-nasal aspergillosis in dogs

We previously showed that each dog with chronic non-invasive sino-nasal aspergillosis (SNA) was infected with a single genotype of Aspergillus fumigatus. Here, we studied the transcriptome of this fungal pathogen and the canine host within the biofilm resulting from the infection. We describe here transcriptomes resulting from natural infections in animal species with A. fumigatus. The host transcriptome showed high expression of IL-8 and alarmins, uncontrolled inflammatory reaction and dysregulation of the Th17 response. The fungal transcriptome showed in particular expression of genes involved in secondary metabolites and nutrient acquisition. Single-nucleotide polymorphism analysis of fungal isolates from the biofilms showed large genetic variability and changes related with adaptation to host environmental factors. This was accompanied with large phenotypic variability in in vitro stress assays, even between isolates from the same canine patient. Our analysis provides insights in genetic and phenotypic variability of Aspergillus fumigatus in biofilms of naturally infected dogs reflecting in-host adaptation. Absence of a Th17 response and dampening of the Th1 response contributes to the formation of a chronic sino-nasal warzone.

Conidiobolomycosis, cryptococcosis, and aspergillosis in sheep and goats: a review

We review herein infections by Conidiobolus spp., Cryptococcus spp., and Aspergillus spp. in sheep and goats. Conidiobolus spp. are common causes of rhinitis in sheep and are less frequent in goats, in which Conidiobolus spp. also cause skin lesions. Cryptococcus spp. cause rhinitis, meningitis, encephalitis, and pneumonia in goats, and are rarely observed in sheep. Aspergillus spp. may cause rhinitis in goats, and pneumonia and mastitis in sheep and goats. Gross and microscopic lesions caused by these 3 fungal infections may be similar to each other. The diagnosis of these diseases must be based on gross and microscopic lesions, coupled with detection of the agent by immunohistochemical, molecular, and/or culture-based methods.

Diphtheric aspergillosis tracheitis with gastrointestinal dissemination secondary to viral infections in a dairy calf

Diphtheric aspergillosis tracheitis is an uncommon syndrome described in human pathology, usually associated with immunosuppression in the affected individuals. Interestingly, no comparative/equivalent cases were found in domestic animals. This report describes the pathological and mycological findings associated with diphtheric aspergillosis tracheitis in an immunocompromised calf. The main pathological findings were diphtheric tracheitis and rhinitis, and necrotizing ruminitis associated with intralesional septate, acute branching fungal hyphae consistent with Aspergillus spp. Mycological culture and isolation confirmed the fungal hyphae as A. fumigatus due to characteristic features. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays identified intralesional antigens of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) and malignant catarrhal fever virus (MCFV) at the trachea and small intestine; IHC detected intralesional antigens of bovine alphaherpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1) only at the trachea. These findings confirmed the simultaneous occurrence of A. fumigatus with concomitant infections due to BVDV, MCFV, and BoHV-1 in this calf. Since ovine gammaherpesvirus-2 (OvHV-2) is the cause of MCF in Brail, it is likely that the intralesional MCFV antigens identified were those of OvHV-2. In this case, disseminated aspergillosis was probably associated with the undeveloped immunological status of the calf that was further impaired due to the combined immunodepressive effects of BVDV and BoHV-1 infections. Although BVDV and BoHV-1 are infectious disease pathogens frequently associated with the development of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) in feedlot and dairy cattle, the identification of intralesional OvHV-2-like antigens in several parts of the lungs suggest that this MCFV also played a role in the BRD-associated lesions identified in this calf.

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An unusual presentation of fungal diphtheric tracheitis associated with Aspergillus fumigatus is described in a dairy calf.

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A Malignant Catarrhal Fever Virus, most likely, OvHV-2, was associated with the development of pneumonia in this calf.

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Simultaneous infections in dairy calves may be more frequent than previously reported.

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OvHV-2 should be considered as a possible disease pathogen associated with the development of bovine respiratory disease.

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The immunodepressive effects of BVDV and BoHV-1 were fundamental for the development of the fungal disease observed in this calf.

A Culture-Based ID of Micromycetes on the Wing Membranes of Greater Mouse-Eared Bats (Myotis myotis) from the "Nietoperek" Site (Poland)

Bats play important functions in ecosystems and many of them are threatened with extinction. Thus, the monitoring of the health status and prevention of diseases seem to be important aspects of welfare and conservation of these mammals. The main goal of the study was the identification of culturable fungal species colonizing the wing membranes of female greater mouse-eared bat (Myotis myotis) during spring emergence from the "Nietoperek" underground hibernation site by the use of genetic and phenotypic analyses. The study site is situated in Western Poland (52°25' N, 15°32' E) and is ranked within the top 10 largest hibernation sites in the European Union. The number of hibernating bats in the winter exceeds 39,000 individuals of 12 species, with M. myotis being the most common one. The wing membranes of M. myotis were sampled using sterile swabs wetted in physiological saline (0.85% NaCl). Potato dextrose agar (PDA) plates were incubated in the dark at 8, 24 and 36 ± 1 °C for 3 up to 42 days. All fungi isolated from the surface of wing membranes were assigned to 17 distinct fungal isolates belonging to 17 fungal species. Penicillium chrysogenum was the most frequently isolated species. Some of these fungal species might have a pathogenic potential for bats and other mammals. However, taking into account habitat preferences and the life cycle of bats, it can be assumed that some fungi were accidentally obtained from the surface of vegetation during early spring activity. Moreover, Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd)-the causative agent of the White Nose Syndrome (WNS)-was not found during testing, despite it was found very often in M. myotis during previous studies in this same location.

NF-κB Inhibitory and Antibacterial Helvolic and Fumagillin Derivatives from Aspergillus terreus

Two new helvolic acid analogues (1 and 2) and one new fumagillin derivative containing an octahydroisobenzofuran moiety (3), together with four known compounds (4-7), were isolated from an Aspergillus terreus, isolated from soil collected from Mauna Kea, the highest mountain in Hawaii. Compound 4 was recorded in SciFinder with a CAS Registry Number of 1379525-35-5, but it was not documented in the cited reference (ACS Chem. Biol. 2012, 7, 137). The structures of compounds 1-4 were elucidated by NMR spectroscopy and HRMS and ECD analysis. Compounds 5 and 6 showed significant inhibitory activity against NF-κB with IC₅₀ values of 2.7 ± 2.6 and 6.5 ± 0.8 μM, respectively. Compounds 1 and 2 were active against S. aureus with MICs of 6.25 and 6.25 μg/mL, respectively, while compound 5 inhibited E. coli with an MIC of 3.12 μg/mL.

Therapy of Non-Dermatophytic Mycoses in Animals

This review focuses on aspects of antimycotic therapy specific to veterinary medicine. In the first part, drug availability, limited mostly by economic consideration but also by clinical applicability and specific adverse effects, is described for polyenes, 5 fluorocytosine, azoles, echinocandins and terbinafine. In the second part, current knowledge and experience in the treatment of selected fungal infections are overviewed. These mycoses include disseminated mold infections in small animals (dogs and cats) and avian species, upper respiratory tract infections of small animals (sino-nasal and sino-orbital aspergillosis) and horses (guttural pouch mycosis), eumycetoma, infections caused by dimorphic fungi, (blastomycosis, histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, paracoccidioidomycosis and sporothrichosis) and by yeasts and yeast-like microorganism (Cryptococcus spp. and Malassezia pachydermatis).