Intralesional amphotericin B in a cat with cutaneous protothecosis

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Dermatology
• Mycology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Protothecosis is a rare opportunistic infection caused by achlorophyllic algae.
• Cutaneous manifestations in domestic animals can be challenging to diagnose and treat.

Observation:

• A domestic cat presented with multifocal nodular skin lesions on the nose, muzzle, and pinnae.
• Initial diagnostics included cytology, histopathology, and fungal culture.

Findings:

• Cytology and histopathology revealed protothecosis.
• Molecular identification confirmed the causative agent as Prototheca wickerhamii.
• Combined treatment with intralesional amphotericin B and oral terbinafine achieved significant clinical improvement.

Implications:

• This case highlights the successful management of feline protothecosis using a combination antifungal therapy.
• Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for favorable outcomes in cutaneous protothecosis.
• The findings support amphotericin B and terbinafine as a viable therapeutic option for similar cases in veterinary medicine.