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Published on: March 9, 2018
Aspergillus Section Fumigati Pneumonia and Oxalate Nephrosis in a Foal
Jasmine Hattab1, Antonella Vulcano2, Silvia D'Arezzo2
1Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d'Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
Abstract:
Equine pulmonary aspergillosis is a rare deep mycosis often due to the hematogenous spread of hyphae after gastrointestinal tract disease. We describe herein the main clinic-pathological findings observed in a foal, which spontaneously died after showing diarrhea and respiratory distress. Necropsy and histopathological investigations allowed to diagnose pulmonary aspergillosis, which likely developed after necrotic typhlitis-colitis. Biomolecular studies identified Aspergillus section Fumigati strain as the causative agent. Notably, severe oxalate nephrosis was concurrently observed. Occasionally, oxalate nephropathy can be a sequela of pulmonary aspergillosis in humans. The present case report suggests that the renal precipitation of oxalates can occur also in horses affected by pulmonary aspergillosis and could likely contribute to the fatal outcome of the disease.
Insights
Equine pulmonary aspergillosis, a rare fungal infection, can lead to oxalate nephrosis. This case report highlights the potential link between this deep mycosis and kidney damage in horses.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Mycology
- Equine Pathology
- Comparative Pathology
Background:
- Equine pulmonary aspergillosis is a rare deep fungal infection.
- It often results from the hematogenous spread of Aspergillus hyphae following gastrointestinal disease.
Observation:
- A case report of a foal experiencing diarrhea and respiratory distress, leading to spontaneous death.
- Clinic-pathological findings included necropsy and histopathological evidence of pulmonary aspergillosis.
- The condition was suspected to develop secondary to necrotic typhlitis-colitis.
Findings:
- Biomolecular analysis identified the causative agent as an Aspergillus section Fumigati strain.
- Severe oxalate nephrosis was a concurrent finding in the affected foal.
- This suggests a potential link between pulmonary aspergillosis and oxalate nephropathy in horses.
Implications:
- The findings suggest that renal oxalate precipitation may occur in horses with pulmonary aspergillosis.
- Oxalate nephropathy could be a contributing factor to the fatal outcome of this fungal disease in equines.
- This case expands the understanding of potential sequelae of deep mycoses in veterinary medicine.
