[Disseminated candidiasis in a calf. Case report]

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Pathology
• Mycology
• Animal Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Disseminated candidiasis is a serious systemic fungal infection.
• Candida albicans is an opportunistic yeast pathogen.
• Antibiotic use can predispose animals to fungal overgrowth.

Observation:

• A 9-week-old calf presented with signs of systemic illness.
• Pathological-anatomical and histological examinations were performed on multiple organs.
• The calf succumbed to the infection at 9 weeks of age.

Findings:

• Post-mortem examinations revealed disseminated candidiasis.
• Candida albicans was identified in the brain, lungs, liver, spleen, kidneys, intestinal lymph nodes, and intestinal contents.
• Histological analysis confirmed widespread fungal invasion.

Implications:

• Antibiotic administration by the owner is suspected as the initiating factor.
• This case highlights the risk of iatrogenic fungal infections in young animals.
• Understanding predisposing factors is crucial for preventing candidiasis in livestock.