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Fungal Rhinosinusitis Caused by a Curvularia sp. Infection in a Female Sumatran Orangutan: A Case Report
Richard R E Uwiera1, Shyan Vijayasekaran2, Alisa M Wallace3
1Department of Agricultural, Food & Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada.
Abstract:
Mycotic nasal cavity and paranasal sinus infections in non-human primates (NHPs) are relatively uncommon diseases of the upper respiratory tract. This case study describes the clinical and pathological features as well as the diagnostic techniques and interventions applied to treat the associated disease. A 23-year-old primiparous female Sumatran orangutan residing at Perth Zoo in Western Australia developed intermittent episodes of right-sided epistaxis. An ulcerative nasal mass was identified from a diagnostic endoscopy. The mass was initially biopsied and showed the morphological characteristics of a dematiaceous fungal organism upon a histological examination. There were prominent mucosal and submucosal granulomatous infiltrates containing histocytes, giant cells, and lymphocytes admixed with fewer numbers of neutrophils and eosinophils surrounding the fungal organism. The organism was identified as Curvularia sp. by the fungal characteristics associated with the histopathology, culture growth, and PCR analysis. The mass was subsequently removed with endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) and the orangutan was medically treated with itraconazole for several months. The recovery was uneventful and the orangutan returned to full health.
Insights
Mycotic nasal infections are rare in non-human primates. This case study details a successful endoscopic sinus surgery and antifungal treatment for a Curvularia fungal infection in an orangutan.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Mycology
- Primate Pathology
- Comparative Medicine
Background:
- Mycotic infections of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses are uncommon in non-human primates (NHPs).
- Early diagnosis and effective treatment are crucial for managing these conditions in NHPs.
Observation:
- A Sumatran orangutan presented with intermittent epistaxis and an ulcerative nasal mass.
- Histopathology revealed a dematiaceous fungal organism with granulomatous inflammation.
- The causative agent was identified as Curvularia sp. through histopathology, culture, and PCR analysis.
Findings:
- Endoscopic sinus surgery successfully removed the nasal mass.
- Medical treatment with itraconazole resolved the fungal infection.
- The orangutan made a full recovery without complications.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering fungal infections in NHPs with respiratory signs.
- Successful management involved a combination of surgical intervention and antifungal therapy.
- The findings contribute to understanding and treating mycotic sinusitis in exotic animals.
