Mixed Infection of Respiratory Tract in a Dog Caused by Rhodotorula mucilaginosa and Trichosporon jirovecii: A Case Report

Małgorzata J. Biegańska,Bożena Dworecka-Kaszak,Bożena Malewska-Biel,Iwona Dąbrowska,Magdalena Rzewuska,Magdalena Ostrzeszewicz

doi:10.1007/s11046-017-0227-4

Małgorzata J. Biegańska, Bożena Dworecka-Kaszak + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s11046-017-0227-4

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Abstract

This report describes the isolation of two environmental fungi: Rhodotorula mucilaginosa and Trichosporon jirovecii accompanied by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli from a dog with bronchotracheitis. All microorganisms were isolated routinely from a mucopurulent discharge, obtained during bronchoscopy from laryngotracheal area. The initial identification of yeasts was confirmed by API Candida and by molecular analysis of internal transcribed spacer region. Administered antimicrobial treatment with Marbofloxacin and Canizol has brought the improvement in the dogs’ health status. The final results of control mycological culture were negative. Most probably underlying hypothyroidism and the use of steroids were the factors predisposing this patient to opportunistic infection of mixed aetiology. As far as we are concerned, this is the first case of dogs’ respiratory tract infection caused by R. mucilaginosa and T. jirovecii.

Highlights

Rhodotorula and Trichosporon yeasts belong to phylum Basidiomycota
Trichosporon species were isolated from fresh water samples obtained from rivers and lakes, seawater, soil and decomposed wood
Quite frequently Trichosporon species have been isolated from healthy skin, especially in the perigenital and perianal area [3]

Summary

Introduction

Rhodotorula and Trichosporon yeasts belong to phylum Basidiomycota. Both fungi are widely distributed in the environment [1,2,3]. Trichosporon species were isolated from fresh water samples obtained from rivers and lakes, seawater, soil and decomposed wood. These fungi are present in birds’ and mammals’ faeces [1, 3,4,5,6]. Quite frequently Trichosporon species have been isolated from healthy skin, especially in the perigenital and perianal area [3]. Rhodotorula yeasts have been found in healthy cats [7], rhesus macaques [8], camels [9] and ostriches [10]

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