Rhizopus microsporus segmental enteritis in a cow

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Pathology
• Mycology
• Ruminant Medicine

Background:

• Intestinal mucormycosis is a rare fungal infection.
• Disruption of gut microbiota can predispose animals to opportunistic infections.
• Ruminants, particularly cattle, are not commonly reported with this condition.

Observation:

• A ten-year-old Holstein cow presented with bloody diarrhea, anorexia, and recumbency, ultimately leading to death.
• Pathological and immunohistochemical examinations revealed mycotic segmental enteritis.
• Fungal culture and PCR analysis identified Rhizopus microsporus as the causative agent.

Findings:

• The study identified Rhizopus microsporus as the cause of fatal mycotic segmental enteritis in a Holstein cow.
• This case highlights the potential for intestinal mucormycosis in cattle.
• The etiological agent was confirmed using both traditional culture and molecular methods.

Implications:

• Intestinal mucormycosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of severe enteritis in ruminants.
• Disruption of the normal alimentary microbiota may increase susceptibility to fungal infections like mucormycosis.
• This finding contributes to the understanding of rare gastrointestinal diseases in cattle and emphasizes the importance of mycological diagnostics.