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[Endemic fungal pathogens in a rural setting of Argentina: seroepidemiological study in dogs]

Cristina Elena Canteros1, María Julia Madariaga, William Lee

  • 1Departamento Micología, INEI, ANLIS Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán, Buenos Aires, Argentina. ccanteros@anlis.gov.ar

Revista Iberoamericana De Micologia
|January 26, 2010
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This study used canine serology to detect endemic fungal pathogens in Argentina, finding Histoplasma capsulatum to be the most prevalent. These findings suggest histoplasmosis should be considered in local human cases with compatible symptoms.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Veterinary Epidemiology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Three dimorphic fungi (Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, Histoplasma capsulatum, Coccidioides sp.) cause human disease and are endemic in Argentina.
  • Canine infection rates can indicate the presence of these fungal pathogens in a region.
  • This study assessed the epidemiological relevance of these fungi in Argentina using dogs as sentinels.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence of P. brasiliensis, H. capsulatum, and Coccidioides sp. in the Interfluvio Teuco-Bermejito rural area of Chaco province, Argentina.
  • To evaluate the utility of canine serological testing for detecting endemic fungal pathogens.

Main Methods:

  • Western Blotting was employed to detect specific antibodies in sera from 89 domestic dogs.
  • Antibodies against gp43 (P. brasiliensis), H/M antigens (H. capsulatum), and specific bands (Coccidioides sp.) were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Specific antibodies against Histoplasma capsulatum were detected in 10% (9/89) of the dog sera.
  • Most positive sera reacted to H and M antigens; one showed cross-reactivity with P. brasiliensis (gp43).
  • One serum sample reacted to antigens of all three fungi tested.

Conclusions:

  • This is the first study in Argentina to use canine infection data to assess endemic fungal pathogens.
  • Results indicate Histoplasma capsulatum is the primary dimorphic fungal pathogen in the Interfluvio Teuco-Bermejito area.
  • Histoplasmosis diagnosis should be considered for patients in this region presenting with compatible pulmonary or mucocutaneous symptoms.

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