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Draining skin lesion from a desert poodle
Sylvie Beaudin1, Lon J Rich, James H Meinkoth
1Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA. sylvie.beaudin@antechmail.com
Veterinary Clinical Pathology
|February 26, 2005
Summary
A Poodle diagnosed with coccidioidomycosis had diagnostic challenges due to the presence of Coccidioides immitis endospores, not spherules, in cytologic samples. Recognizing these unique endospore structures is key for accurate diagnosis of this fungal infection.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Mycology
- Canine Infectious Diseases
- Diagnostic Cytology
Background:
- Coccidioidomycosis, a fungal infection caused by Coccidioides immitis, is endemic in certain regions like Arizona.
- Diagnosis typically relies on identifying spherules in cytologic or histopathologic samples, or through serologic testing.
- Antibody screening in this case showed negative IgM and positive IgG (1:64) for coccidioidomycosis.
Observation:
- A 16-month-old Poodle presented with intermittent coughing and a draining lesion on its foot.
- Fine needle aspiration of the lesion revealed pyogranulomatous inflammation with bacteria and Coccidioides immitis endospores.
- Fungal culture confirmed Coccidioides immitis, characterized by barrel-shaped arthroconidia.
Findings:
- Cytologic examination identified neutrophils and macrophages, with neutrophils containing bacteria.
- Small structures consistent with Coccidioides immitis endospores (2-5 micrometers) were observed.
- The presence of endospores, rather than mature spherules, was a key cytologic finding.
Implications:
- This case highlights the diagnostic utility of recognizing Coccidioides immitis endospores in cytologic specimens.
- Accurate identification of endospores can aid in the cytologic diagnosis of coccidioidomycosis when spherules are absent.
- Understanding variations in fungal morphology is crucial for timely and correct diagnosis in veterinary medicine.