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Prototheca zopfii Genotype 2-induced Nasal Dermatitis in a Cat
N Huth1, R F Wenkel2, N Roschanski3
1Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 33, Leipzig, Germany.
Journal of Comparative Pathology
|March 28, 2015
Summary
A rare feline protothecosis case involved Prototheca zopfii genotype 2, affecting a cat's nasal skin. This finding expands the known species causing this alga-induced infection in felines.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Feline protothecosis is a rare disease caused by Prototheca species.
- Previous cases have exclusively identified Prototheca wickerhamii and were limited to skin manifestations.
Observation:
- A 14-year-old domestic shorthair cat presented with nasal skin and right nostril mucosal inflammation.
- Microscopic examination revealed marked pyogranulomatous inflammation with numerous intralesional algae.
Findings:
- Algae were round to ovoid (8-21 μm), formed endospores, and reacted positively for Prototheca zopfii antigen.
- 18S rRNA gene sequencing confirmed the algae as Prototheca zopfii, specifically genotype 2.
- This is the first reported case of feline protothecosis caused by Prototheca zopfii genotype 2.
Implications:
- Prototheca zopfii genotype 2 should be considered as a causative agent of feline protothecosis.
- This expands the spectrum of Prototheca species associated with feline infections.
- Further research may elucidate the pathogenesis and treatment strategies for this emerging feline disease.
