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8 pages, 4218 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Eumycetoma Caused by Madurella pseudomycetomatis in a Captive Tiger (Panthera tigris)

by Margherita Orlandi, Giuseppe Giglia, Patrizia Danesi, Piero Laricchiuta and Francesca Abramo

J. Fungi 2022, 8(12), 1289; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8121289 - 9 Dec 2022

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Abstract

A captive-kept adult male tiger presented with a large cutaneous and subcutaneous mass on the thigh with a fistula. During sedation, multiple nodules were detected and samples for a histopathological exam were collected. Histologically, granulomatous panniculitis and dermatitis were seen around dense aggregates [...] Read more.

A captive-kept adult male tiger presented with a large cutaneous and subcutaneous mass on the thigh with a fistula. During sedation, multiple nodules were detected and samples for a histopathological exam were collected. Histologically, granulomatous panniculitis and dermatitis were seen around dense aggregates of pigmented fungal hyphae, and a diagnosis of phaeohyphomycosis was made; considering the clinical features, it was classified as a eumycotic mycetoma. This is a rarely reported subcutaneous fungal infection in humans and animals, caused by dematiaceous fungi. Clinically, it is characterized by tumefaction, fistulous sinus tracts, and the formation of macroscopically visible grains. In the literature, only a few infections in wild felids have been reported. In this case, Fontana–Masson staining better showed pigmentation and panfungal PCR and sequencing identified Madurella pseudomyectomatis (OP623507) as the causative agent. Systemic therapy with oral administration of itraconazole was planned, but the patient died during the first period of treatment. The animal was not submitted for post-mortem examination. Visceral dissemination of the agent cannot be excluded. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of eumycotic mycetoma by Madurella pseudomycetomatis in a captive tiger. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Diseases in Animals)

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11 pages, 2031 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preliminary Investigation about Aspergillus spp. Spread in Umbrian Avian Farms

by Deborah Cruciani, Silvia Crotti, Carmen Maresca, Ivan Pecorelli, Emanuela Verdini, Marinella Rodolfi, Eleonora Scoccia, Sara Spina, Andrea Valentini and Francesco Agnetti

J. Fungi 2022, 8(11), 1213; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8111213 - 16 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2411

Abstract

Among the fungi responsible for deep mycosis, the genus Aspergillus plays a predominant role both in human and veterinary medicine. From a “One Health” perspective, infections by Aspergillus spp. often represent a public health problem linked to specific occupational categories that could have [...] Read more.

Among the fungi responsible for deep mycosis, the genus Aspergillus plays a predominant role both in human and veterinary medicine. From a “One Health” perspective, infections by Aspergillus spp. often represent a public health problem linked to specific occupational categories that could have a greater risk of inhaling spores and developing any respiratory disease. This preliminary investigation allowed to acquire information about the spread of Aspergillus spp. in avian livestock of the Umbria region (Central Italy), their sensitivity to antifungals, and the presence of mycotoxins in the considered farms. Environmental, feed, animal, and human samples were collected for mycological investigations; chemical analyses were also performed in feed samples. Moreover, prevalence estimated of the fungal isolates were provided for each individual farm sampled. Direct fungal identification was possible in 298 out of the 559 total samples; 162 of the samples were positive for Aspergillus spp. Mycotoxins were detected in 5 out of the 21 feed samples collected. All the aspergilli tested for antifungal susceptibility were resistant to fluconazole. The results obtained show how much the genus Aspergillus is widespread in the investigated farms; therefore, the poultry livestock represents a favorable environment for the maintenance and spread of fungal spores and their potential transmission to animals and humans. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Diseases in Animals)

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14 pages, 8774 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatial Distribution of Canine Sporotrichosis in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (1998–2018) and Its Correlation with Socioeconomic Conditions

by Anna Barreto Fernandes Figueiredo, Mônica de Avelar Figueiredo Mafra Magalhães, Wagner de Souza Tassinari, Isabella Dib Ferreira Gremião, Luisa Helena Monteiro de Miranda, Rodrigo Caldas Menezes and Sandro Antonio Pereira

J. Fungi 2022, 8(11), 1207; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8111207 - 15 Nov 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2058

Abstract

Canine sporotrichosis is a poorly described global disease and a spatial approach has not yet been used to assess the disease in dogs. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the occurrence of canine sporotrichosis in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from [...] Read more.

Canine sporotrichosis is a poorly described global disease and a spatial approach has not yet been used to assess the disease in dogs. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the occurrence of canine sporotrichosis in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 1998 to 2018 and its correlation with socioeconomic characteristics using exploratory spatial data analysis. A total of 295 cases of canine sporotrichosis were identified and 249 were georeferenced. There was a higher concentration of cases in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro, as well as along the border of the city and the adjacent municipalities in the great metropolitan area. The cases occurred in areas where most of the dwellings are houses. Moreover, no focus of disease density was found in the southern part of Rio de Janeiro city over the period studied, possibly due to better socioeconomic conditions. Areas with a high concentration of canine sporotrichosis cases coincided with regions that possessed a low proportion of households without paving, suggesting that the disease is not necessarily linked to extreme poverty. The mapping of areas with a greater density of cases is fundamental to formulate targeted and strategic plans in order to implement effective public health prevention and control measures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Diseases in Animals)

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11 pages, 1080 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Zoonotic Dermatophyte Infection in Pet Rabbits in Northern Taiwan

by Che-Cheng Chang, Wittawat Wechtaisong, Shih-Yu Chen, Ming-Chu Cheng, Cheng-Shu Chung, Lee-Shuan Lin, Yi-Yang Lien and Yi-Lun Tsai

J. Fungi 2022, 8(6), 627; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8060627 - 13 Jun 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3354

Abstract

Dermatophytes are the group of keratinophilic fungi that cause superficial cutaneous infection, which traditionally belong to the genera Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton. Dermatophyte infection is not only a threat to the health of small animals, but also an important zoonotic [...] Read more.

Dermatophytes are the group of keratinophilic fungi that cause superficial cutaneous infection, which traditionally belong to the genera Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton. Dermatophyte infection is not only a threat to the health of small animals, but also an important zoonotic and public health issue because of the potential transmission from animals to humans. Rabbit dermatophytosis is often clinically identified; however, limited information was found in Asia. The aims of this study are to investigate the prevalence and to evaluate the risk factors of dermatophytosis in pet rabbits in Northern Taiwan. Between March 2016 and October 2018, dander samples of pet rabbits were collected for fungal infection examination by Wood’s lamp, microscopic examination (KOH preparation), fungal culture, and PCR assay (molecular identification). Z test and Fisher’s exact test were performed to evaluate the potential risk factors, and logistic regression analysis was then performed to build the model of risk factors related to dermatophyte infection. Of the collected 250 dander samples of pet rabbits, 29 (11.6%) samples were positive for dermatophytes by molecular identification. In those samples, 28 samples were identified as the T. mentagrophytes complex and 1 sample was identified as M. canis. Based on the results of the Firth’s bias reduction logistic analyses, animal source (rabbits purchased from pet shops) and number of rearing rabbits (three rabbits or more) were shown as the main risks for dermatophyte infection in the pet rabbits in Taiwan. The results of the present study elucidate the prevalence of rabbit dermatophyte infection, pathogens, and risk factors in Taiwan, and provide an important reference for the prevention and control of rabbit dermatophytosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Diseases in Animals)

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Review

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16 pages, 1107 KiB

Open AccessReview

Mycotic Diseases in Chelonians

by Simona Nardoni and Francesca Mancianti

J. Fungi 2023, 9(5), 518; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof9050518 - 27 Apr 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3332

Abstract

Turtles and ‘tortoises’ populations are declining in number, the factors driving extinction risks being related to habitat loss and degradation, climate change, introduction of invasive plant and animal species, consumption by humans for food and medicinal use, and collection for international pet trade. [...] Read more.

Turtles and ‘tortoises’ populations are declining in number, the factors driving extinction risks being related to habitat loss and degradation, climate change, introduction of invasive plant and animal species, consumption by humans for food and medicinal use, and collection for international pet trade. Fungal infections represent one of the main threats for ecosystem health. The present narrative review deals with conventional and emerging mycoses of Chelonians. Although conventional mycoses in captive and pet reptiles would depend on poor husbandry, being the agents mostly opportunistic pathogens, some fungal species were reported to occur more frequently, such as the entomopathogen Purpureocillium lilacinum. Furthermore, emerging agents such as the Fusarium solani species complex have been recognized as a real threat for the surviving of some aquatic species, acting as primary pathogens. This complex has been recently included within pathogens in One Health issues. Emydomyces testavorans is recognized as an emerging threat, although, due its recent identification, information about its epidemiology is limited. Data about treatments and outcomes of mycoses in Chelonians are also referred. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Diseases in Animals)

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19 pages, 424 KiB

Open AccessReview

Recent Advances in the Biocontrol of Nosemosis in Honey Bees (Apis mellifera L.)

by Massimo Iorizzo, Francesco Letizia, Sonia Ganassi, Bruno Testa, Sonia Petrarca, Gianluca Albanese, Dalila Di Criscio and Antonio De Cristofaro

J. Fungi 2022, 8(5), 424; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8050424 - 20 Apr 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3843

Abstract

Nosemosis is a disease triggered by the single-celled spore-forming fungi Nosema apis and Nosema ceranae, which can cause extensive colony losses in honey bees (Apis mellifera L.). Fumagillin is an effective antibiotic treatment to control nosemosis, but due to its toxicity, [...] Read more.

Nosemosis is a disease triggered by the single-celled spore-forming fungi Nosema apis and Nosema ceranae, which can cause extensive colony losses in honey bees (Apis mellifera L.). Fumagillin is an effective antibiotic treatment to control nosemosis, but due to its toxicity, it is currently banned in many countries. Accordingly, in the beekeeping sector, there is a strong demand for alternative ecological methods that can be used for the prevention and therapeutic control of nosemosis in honey bee colonies. Numerous studies have shown that plant extracts, RNA interference (RNAi) and beneficial microbes could provide viable non-antibiotic alternatives. In this article, recent scientific advances in the biocontrol of nosemosis are summarized. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Diseases in Animals)

Other

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12 pages, 1823 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Sporotrichosis Outbreak Due to Sporothrix brasiliensis in Domestic Cats in Magallanes, Chile: A One-Health-Approach Study

by Pamela Thomson, Carlos González, Olivia Blank, Valentina Ramírez, Camila del Río, Sebastián Santibáñez and Pamela Pena

J. Fungi 2023, 9(2), 226; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof9020226 - 9 Feb 2023

Cited by 36 | Viewed by 7697

Abstract

Sporotrichosis is an implantation mycosis with subcutaneo-lymphatic or, more rarely, a viscerally disseminated affection; it can be acquired through traumatic percutaneous inoculation of the fungus present in soil or plant matter, or by feline scratching. Among the causative agents, Sporothrix brasiliensis is considered [...] Read more.

Sporotrichosis is an implantation mycosis with subcutaneo-lymphatic or, more rarely, a viscerally disseminated affection; it can be acquired through traumatic percutaneous inoculation of the fungus present in soil or plant matter, or by feline scratching. Among the causative agents, Sporothrix brasiliensis is considered the most virulent species with a high prevalence in Brazil and recently in Argentina. Objective: To describe a S. brasiliensis outbreak in domestic and feral cats detected in the Magallanes region of southern Chile. Materials and Methods: Between the months of July and September 2022, three cats presented with suppurative subcutaneous lesions located mainly on the head and thoracic limbs. The cytology revealed the presence of yeasts with morphological characteristics suggestive of Sporothrix spp. The histopathology confirmed pyogranulomatous subcutaneous lesions associated with the presence of the same yeasts. The fungal culture followed by the partial gene sequence and analysis of the ITS region confirmed the diagnosis of the S. brasiliensis as the causative agent. The cats were treated with itraconazole associated in one case with potassium iodide. The evolution of the patients was favorable in all cases. Conclusions: An outbreak caused by S. brasiliensis was detected in domestic and feral cats in austral Chile. The correct identification of this fungus and antifungigram is essential for treatment decisions and for designing dissemination control and prevention programs under a one health approach that consider the health of people, animals, and the environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Diseases in Animals)

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9 pages, 3304 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

A Lethal Case of Disseminated Cladosporium allicinum Infection in a Captive African Bullfrog

by Andrea Grassi, Matteo Gambini, Marianna Pantoli, Simona Toscano, Anna Albertetti, Deborah Maria Del Frassino, Iniobong Chukwuebuka Ikenna Ugochukwu, Orazio Romeo, Domenico Otranto and Claudia Cafarchia

J. Fungi 2023, 9(2), 191; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof9020191 - 1 Feb 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2365

Abstract

Cladosporium infections have a poor prognosis in animals, most likely due to a lack of knowledge about diagnosis and treatment. In this study, we described a case of a lethal Cladosporium allicinum infection in a captive bullfrog (Pyxicephalus adspersus) in Europe. [...] Read more.

Cladosporium infections have a poor prognosis in animals, most likely due to a lack of knowledge about diagnosis and treatment. In this study, we described a case of a lethal Cladosporium allicinum infection in a captive bullfrog (Pyxicephalus adspersus) in Europe. One adult male bullfrog was referred with clinical signs of lethargy and a cutaneous nodule. Fungal infection was suspected on cytology and confirmed by histology and cultural isolation. The mold was identified by molecular methods using partial sequencing of the TEF1α gene and the ITS region of rDNA. Climbazole antifungal treatment was started but the frog died after 30 days, and necropsy was done. Pigmented hyphae and structures consistent with muriform bodies were found on a background of diffuse granulomatous inflammation at cytological and histopathological examinations. Fungal culture revealed the presence of pigmented fungi identified as Cladosporium allicinum only by partial sequencing of the TEF1α gene. A focally extensive granuloma with intralesional hyphae and muriform bodies effacing the architecture of head, liver, kidneys, lungs, and large intestine were retrieved after necropsy. This study is the first Italian report of the occurrence of lethal C. allicinum infection in a frog and highlights the role of this Cladosporium sp. in chromoblastomycosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Diseases in Animals)

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