Phaeohyphomycoses, emerging opportunistic diseases in animals

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Mycology
• Infectious Diseases
• One Health

Background:

• Emerging fungal diseases caused by black yeasts and related fungi are increasingly identified in diverse animal populations, including domestic and wild species.
• These pathogens affect a wide range of hosts, from invertebrates to cold- and warm-blooded vertebrates, presenting as novel or re-emerging threats.
• Infections often manifest as subcutaneous or cerebral conditions, with nervous system involvement frequently proving fatal and routes of transmission remaining unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of commonly reported and recurring black fungi and associated diseases in various animal species.
• To highlight the epidemiological diversity of these fungal infections, including single infections, zoonoses, and pseudoepidemics.
• To discuss potential contributing factors such as host stress and environmental changes.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature and case reports on fungal diseases in animals.
• Analysis of epidemiological patterns and clinical presentations of infections caused by black yeasts and relatives.
• Synthesis of information on host-pathogen interactions and disease characteristics.

Main Results:

• Black yeast infections are reported across a broad spectrum of animal hosts, with a notable prevalence in mammals and cold-blooded animals.
• Distinct epidemiological scenarios include sporadic infections, zoonotic potential, and large-scale pseudoepidemics often linked to environmental stressors.
• Subcutaneous and cerebral infections are common, with neurological cases often being severe and of unknown origin.

Conclusions:

• Black yeasts represent a significant and growing threat to animal health, necessitating further research into their epidemiology and pathogenesis.
• The similarities to human diseases underscore the importance of a One Health approach to monitoring and managing these infections.
• Understanding the factors contributing to susceptibility, such as stress and environmental conditions, is vital for disease prevention and control in animal populations.