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Caryospora-associated dermatitis in dogs
J P Dubey1, S S Black, L T Sangster
1Livestock and Poultry Sciences Institute, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland 20705.
The Journal of Parasitology
|August 1, 1990
Summary
Severe pyogranulomatous dermatitis in a young dog was linked to the coccidium Caryospora sp. Various developmental stages were identified in skin and lymph node tissues, confirming the parasitic infection.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Parasitology
- Immunohistochemistry
Background:
- Canine pyogranulomatous dermatitis can have various etiologies.
- Caryospora is a genus of coccidian parasites, typically affecting reptiles, but occasionally found in mammals.
Observation:
- A 2-month-old dog presented with severe pyogranulomatous dermatitis.
- Numerous developmental stages of Caryospora sp. were identified within macrophages, connective tissue cells, and other host cells in skin and lymph node biopsies.
- Observed stages included schizonts (up to 20 microns, 25 merozoites), gamonts, oocysts, and caryocysts (up to 18 microns, 1-3 sporozoites).
Findings:
- The identified coccidium exhibited multiple developmental stages within the canine host tissues.
- Immunoperoxidase staining with anti-Caryospora bigenetica serum showed positive reactions across all observed developmental stages, confirming the parasitic identification.
Implications:
- This case highlights Caryospora sp. as a potential cause of severe dermatitis in young dogs.
- The findings expand the known host range for Caryospora and demonstrate its pathogenic potential in mammals.
- Immunohistochemistry is a valuable tool for identifying parasitic stages in tissue samples.