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First detection of adiaspiromycosis in the lungs of a deer
Kazuya Matsuda1, Hinako Niki, Airo Yukawa
1Department of Veterinary Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Ebetsu, Hokkaido 069-8501, Japan.
Abstract:
Adiaspiromycosis is a pulmonary infection caused by the soil fungi, Emmonsia crescens and E. parva. It primarily affects small mammals and can range from an asymptomatic condition to fatal disseminated disease. We detected a granuloma containing fungal spherules, which were morphologically consistent with the adiaspores of E. crescens in the lungs of a female Hokkaido sika deer. This is the first reported case of adiaspiromycosis involving a cervid in the world.
Insights
Adiaspiromycosis, a lung infection from Emmonsia fungi, was found in a Hokkaido sika deer. This is the first documented case in any cervid species worldwide.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Veterinary Pathology
- Wildlife Disease Ecology
Background:
- Adiaspiromycosis is a granulomatous pulmonary disease caused by Emmonsia species fungi.
- The infection primarily affects small mammals, with potential for severe or fatal outcomes.
- Emmonsia fungal spores are ubiquitous in soil and become airborne, leading to inhalation exposure.
Observation:
- A granuloma containing fungal spherules morphologically consistent with Emmonsia crescens was identified.
- The lesion was located within the lung tissue of a female Hokkaido sika deer.
- This observation represents a novel host-pathogen interaction within the Cervidae family.
Findings:
- The study reports the first confirmed case of adiaspiromycosis in a cervid.
- Morphological analysis confirmed the presence of adiaspores, characteristic of Emmonsia crescens.
- The findings expand the known host range of this significant fungal pathogen.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for adiaspiromycosis to affect a wider range of mammalian species than previously recognized.
- It underscores the importance of considering Emmonsia infections in wildlife diagnostics, particularly in cervids.
- Further research is warranted to understand the prevalence and impact of adiaspiromycosis in wild deer populations.
