Using Histoplasmin and Coccidioidin Skin Tests and an Agar Gel Immunodiffusion for Animals in Argentina

Abstract

The overall objective of this study was to apply different diagnostic methods that demonstrate the presence of infection or diseases, specifically Histoplasmosis and Coccidioidomycosis, in domestic animals as a contribution to the understanding of mycology in animal health, clinical practice and epidemiology. Sera were studied and skin tests were performed in pigs, horses, dogs and cattle in endemic areas of Argentina as a means of diagnosis and to determine if the fungi of interest were present in the region. Responses to intradermal reactions develop slowly (24 - 72 hours) after administration of an allergen, causing erythema and a nodule and serum with Histoplasmosis or Coccidioidomycosis shows precipitation M and H bands in an agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID), which indicates infection or lesion activity and is not influenced by previous intradermal reaction. Two (2) animals were positive for the skin test, and three (3) were positive for the M band in the AGDI for Coccidioidomycosis. In the case of Histoplasmosis, twenty-eight (28) animals were positive for the M band in the AGID and three (3) were positive for the skin test. The skin test with specific antigens for Coccidioidomycosis and Histoplasmosis is feasible for use in individual diagnostic studies in cattle, equines, canines, and in epidemiological surveys of cattle and pigs, according to the requirements of the this technique for the different species. The use of AGID as a serological technique for Histoplasmosis and Coccidioidomycosis proved to be simple, inexpensive, and effective; it was feasible for use for individual diagnosis in animals with present or past infection and for serological epidemiology due to the ease of application. This method can to be utilized in future studies to determine the prevalence and boundaries of endemic areas.