Abstract
Equine pulmonary aspergillosis is a rare deep mycosis often due to the hematogenous spread of hyphae after gastrointestinal tract disease. We describe herein the main clinic-pathological findings observed in a foal, which spontaneously died after showing diarrhea and respiratory distress. Necropsy and histopathological investigations allowed to diagnose pulmonary aspergillosis, which likely developed after necrotic typhlitis-colitis. Biomolecular studies identified Aspergillus section Fumigati strain as the causative agent. Notably, severe oxalate nephrosis was concurrently observed. Occasionally, oxalate nephropathy can be a sequela of pulmonary aspergillosis in humans. The present case report suggests that the renal precipitation of oxalates can occur also in horses affected by pulmonary aspergillosis and could likely contribute to the fatal outcome of the disease.
Highlights
Aspergillus species are worldwide-distributed filamentous fungi which thrive in the soil as saprophytes and occasionally infect animals as opportunistic pathogens [1]
In a recent retrospective study, Payne et al [6] observed the deposition of oxalates in 14 out of 38 cases of aspergillosis (Aspergillus sp., Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus versicolor), including 2 out of 15 horses
We describe the peculiar clinic-pathological findings observed in a foal affected by pulmonary aspergillosis and oxalate nephrosis
Summary
Aspergillus species are worldwide-distributed filamentous fungi (mold) which thrive in the soil as saprophytes and occasionally infect animals as opportunistic pathogens [1]. An immunosuppressive state and host-debilitating conditions predispose to fungal diseases, including aspergillosis. Horses usually become infected through the inhalation of fungal spores. The precipitation of oxalates within the foci of an Aspergillus infection has been reported in veterinary medicine (mostly in avian species). In a recent retrospective study, Payne et al [6] observed the deposition of oxalates in 14 out of 38 cases of aspergillosis (Aspergillus sp., Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus versicolor), including 2 out of 15 horses. We describe the peculiar clinic-pathological findings observed in a foal affected by pulmonary aspergillosis and oxalate nephrosis.
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