Aspergillosis

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Sections available in full article Introduction, Presenting signs, Geographic incidence, Pathogenesis, Etiology, Predisposing factors, Pathophysiology, Epidemiology (population dynamics), Diagnosis, Presenting problems, Client history, Clinical signs, Diagnostic investigation, Confirmation of diagnosis, Gross autopsy findings, Histopathology findings, Treatment, Standard treatment, Monitoring, Sequelae, Prognosis, Expected response to treatment, Reasons for treatment failure, Sources, Publications, Vetstream contributor(s),
Contributors Dr Rhea Morgan DVM DACVIM DACVO

Introduction

  • Two forms of aspergillosis exist in the cat (nasal, disseminated), although both are rare.
  • Cause : Aspergillus spp (most commonly Aspergillus fumigatus in nasal infections and Aspergillus terreus in disseminated disease); infection by spores, usually inhaled.
  • Signs : Nasal disease nasal discharge, epistaxis; disseminated disease - vomiting, diarrhea, depression, cacchexia, renal failure, and respiratory disease.
  • Diagnosis : cytology and histopathology with nasal disease; most frequently made post-mortem with disseminated disease.

Diagnosis

Clinical signs

Nasal form:

  • Nasal discharge
  • Ulceration of nares
  • Sneezing
  • Exophthalmos

Disseminated form:

  • Vomiting, diarrhea.
  • Depression, weight loss, fever.
  • Dyspnea and cough.
  • Hematuria, polyuria
  • CNS signs
  • Lymphadenopathy

Sequelae

Prognosis

  • Grave in disseminated aspergillosis.
  • Fair with nasal disease.

Expected response to treatment

  • Negative follow-up cultures.
  • Negative histopathology on follow-up biopsy.

Reasons for treatment failure

  • Underlying immunosuppression
  • Severe illness and debilitation upon presentation.
  • Inadequate response to anti-fungal agents.
  • Inadequate dosage or duration of therapy.
  • Premature termination of therapy due to cost.

Sources

Publications

Refereed papers

  • Davies Cet al(1996)Deep mycotic infection in cats.JAAHA32(5), 380-391.PubMed
  • Ossent P (1987)Systemic aspergillosis and mucormycosis in 23 cats.Vet Rec120(14), 330-333.PubMed
  • Hamilton HL, Whitley RD & McLaughlin SA (2000)Exophthalmos secondary to aspergillosis in a cat.J Am Anim Hosp Assoc36: 343-347.PubMed
  • Davidson A, Komtebedde J, Pappagianis D,et al(1992)Treatment of nasal aspergillosis with topical clotrimazole.J Vet Intern Med6: 124.
  • Fox J Get al(1978)Systemic fungal infections in cats.JAVMA173(9), 1191-1195.PubMed
  • Pakes S Pet al(1967)Pulmonary aspergillosis in a cat.JAVMA151(7), 950-953.PubMed

Other sources of information

  • Day MJ (1998)Feline disseminated aspergillosis. In Greene CE (ed):Infectious Disease of the Dog and Cat. 2nd Ed. WB Saunders, Philadelphia, p 412.

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