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Related Experiment Videos

Coccidioidomycosis: a diagnostic challenge.

Lisa F Shubitz1, Sharon M Dial

  • 1Department of Veterinary Science and Microbiology, Valley Fever Center for Excellence, The University of Arizona, bldg 90 room 221, Tucson, Arizona 85721, USA. lfshubit@u.arizona.edu

Clinical Techniques in Small Animal Practice
|December 2, 2005
PubMed
Summary

Coccidioidomycosis, a fungal infection common in dogs and severe in cats, presents diagnostic challenges due to variable serology sensitivity. Definitive diagnosis requires multiple imaging and laboratory tests for this systemic disease.

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The Host Response to Coccidioidomycosis.

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Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Systemic Mycoses

Background:

  • Coccidioidomycosis is a fungal infection endemic to the southwestern United States.
  • Clinical disease is prevalent in dogs and often severe in cats.
  • Diagnostic challenges exist due to serology's variable sensitivity and lack of correlation with disease severity in dogs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the diagnostic challenges of coccidioidomycosis in companion animals.
  • To emphasize the need for a multi-modal diagnostic approach.
  • To underscore the importance of considering coccidioidomycosis in endemic regions or with travel history.

Main Methods:

  • Review of diagnostic modalities including serology, radiography, serum biochemistry, complete blood counts, cytology, histopathology, and advanced imaging.

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  • Discussion of the limitations of serological testing.
  • Emphasis on integrating various diagnostic tools for comprehensive evaluation.

    • Main Results:

    • Serology for coccidioidomycosis is specific but not highly sensitive, and antibody titers do not consistently correlate with disease severity in dogs.
    • Radiographs, blood work, and advanced imaging aid in diagnosing systemic, CNS, and skeletal lesions.
    • Cytology, histopathology, and culture provide definitive diagnoses when accessible.

    Conclusions:

    • Coccidioidomycosis diagnosis in animals requires a combination of diagnostic techniques due to the limitations of individual tests.
    • The disease can affect multiple organs, necessitating a thorough and integrated diagnostic strategy.
    • Veterinarians should consider coccidioidomycosis in animals from endemic areas or those with relevant travel histories.