Related Experiment Videos
Generalized aspergillosis in dairy sheep
V Pérez1, J M Corpa, J F Garćia Marín
1Departamento de Patología Animal: Medicina Animal (Anatomía Patológica), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Spain.
Summary
Systemic aspergillosis occurred in two dairy sheep following antibiotic treatment for fungal mastitis. The infection spread from the mammary glands to multiple organs, causing severe lesions and vasculitis.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Mycology
- Sheep Health
Background:
- Fungal mastitis can occur in dairy sheep, particularly after antibiotic treatment.
- Systemic spread of fungal infections poses a significant threat to animal health.
Observation:
- Two dairy sheep presented with systemic aspergillosis.
- Lesions included necrosis and pyogranulomatous exudate in mammary glands, lymph nodes, kidneys, lungs, liver, heart, forestomachs, and brain.
- Intense vasculitis and thrombosis were noted, particularly in mammary glands, suggesting hematogenous dissemination.
Findings:
- The primary etiological agent was identified as Aspergillus fumigatus.
- Immunohistochemical staining using Aspergillus monoclonal antibody Mab-WF-AF-1 confirmed fungal structures.
- Aspergillus fumigatus was isolated in pure culture from affected tissues.
Implications:
- Early diagnosis and treatment of fungal mastitis are crucial to prevent systemic spread.
- Understanding the pathogenesis of aspergillosis in sheep is vital for disease control.
- This case highlights the potential for Aspergillus fumigatus to cause severe systemic disease in immunocompromised or treated animals.