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Pneumocystis Colonization in Dogs Is as in Humans
Patrizia Danesi1, Matteo Petini2, Christian Falcaro1
1Parasitology, Mycology and Medical Enthomology, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, 35020 Padua, Italy.
Abstract:
Pneumocystis is an atypical fungus that resides in the pulmonary parenchyma of many mammals, including humans and dogs. Immunocompetent human hosts are usually asymptomatically colonised or show subtle clinical signs, but some immunocompromised people can develop florid life-threatening Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP). Since much less is known concerning Pneumocystis in dogs, we posit the question: can Pneumocystis colonization be present in dogs with inflammatory airway or lung disease caused by other pathogens or disease processes? In this study, Pneumocystis DNA was detected in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of 22/255 dogs (9%) with respiratory distress and/or chronic cough. Although young dogs (<1 year-of-age) and pedigree breeds were more often Pneumocystis-qPCR positive than older dogs and crossbreds, adult dogs with other infectious conditions and/or a history of therapy-resistant pulmonary disease could also be qPCR-positive, including two patients with suppression of the immune system. Absence of pathognomonic clinical or radiographic signs render it impossible to convincingly discriminate between overt PCP versus other lung/airway disease processes colonised by P. canis. It is possible that colonisation with P. canis might play a certain role as a co-pathogen in some canine patients with lower respiratory disease.
Insights
Pneumocystis can be present in dogs with respiratory issues, even if not causing pneumonia. This fungus, Pneumocystis canis, may act as a co-pathogen in canine lung disease.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Mycology
- Canine Respiratory Diseases
Background:
- Pneumocystis is an atypical fungus found in mammalian lungs, including dogs.
- While often asymptomatic in immunocompetent humans, it can cause severe pneumonia (PCP) in immunocompromised individuals.
- Knowledge regarding Pneumocystis in dogs is limited, prompting investigation into its presence in canine respiratory disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of Pneumocystis colonization in dogs with inflammatory airway or lung disease.
- To determine if Pneumocystis can be a co-pathogen in canine respiratory conditions.
Main Methods:
- Detection of Pneumocystis DNA in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) using qPCR.
- Analysis of Pneumocystis prevalence in dogs presenting with respiratory distress and/or chronic cough.
Main Results:
- Pneumocystis DNA was detected in 9% (22/255) of dogs with respiratory symptoms.
- Young dogs (<1 year) and pedigree breeds showed higher qPCR positivity.
- Positive results were also found in adult dogs with other infections, resistant pulmonary disease, or immune suppression.
Conclusions:
- Pneumocystis colonization can occur in dogs with lower respiratory tract diseases.
- Distinguishing between Pneumocystis pneumonia and colonization is challenging due to non-specific clinical and radiographic signs.
- Pneumocystis canis may function as a co-pathogen in some canine respiratory cases.
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