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Updated: Jun 17, 2026
08:58
Enhanced Rabies Surveillance Using a Direct Rapid Immunohistochemical Test
Published on: April 30, 2019
[Canine histoplasmosis in Japan]
1Research Center for Pathogenic Fungi and Microbial Toxicoses, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8673, Japan.
Nihon Ishinkin Gakkai Zasshi = Japanese Journal of Medical Mycology
|November 15, 2003
Summary
Histoplasmosis farciminosi, or pseudofarcy, is a zoonotic fungal infection endemic in Japan, affecting horses and potentially humans and canines. Canine cases mimic pseudofarcy, suggesting a shared or related etiology.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Veterinary Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
Context:
- Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection caused by Histoplasma capsulatum, globally distributed.
- Historically, Histoplasmosis farciminosi (pseudofarcy) was endemic in Japan, primarily affecting horses.
- Autochthonous cases in humans and canines suggest endemicity and potential zoonotic transmission.
Purpose:
- To investigate the nature of autochthonous canine histoplasmosis in Japan.
- To determine the etiological agent and its relationship to Histoplasmosis farciminosi.
- To assess the zoonotic potential of canine histoplasmosis.
Summary:
- Japanese canine histoplasmosis presents with skin ulcers and granulomatous lesions, clinically resembling pseudofarcy.
- Molecular diagnosis confirmed Histoplasma capsulatum in canine tissue samples.
- A human case and canine isolates were identified as Histoplasma capsulatum var. farciminosum, indicating zoonotic transmission.
- Autochthonous canine histoplasmosis in Japan may represent a form of pseudofarcy.
Impact:
- Pseudofarcy is confirmed as a zoonotic fungal infection, not limited to equines.
- Highlights the potential for Histoplasma capsulatum var. farciminosum to infect canines and humans in Japan.
- Suggests a need for revised diagnostic and management strategies for histoplasmosis in endemic regions.
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