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Invasive Fungal Infections and Oomycoses in Cats: 1. Diagnostic approach
Vanessa R Barrs1,2, Pawet M Beczkowski1, Jessica J Talbot3
1Ddepartment of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, SAR China.
Clinical Relevance:
In contrast to superficial fungal infections, such as dermatophytosis, invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are characterised by penetration of tissues by fungal elements. Disease can spread locally within a region or can disseminate haematogenously or via the lymphatics. The environment is the most common reservoir of infection. Since fungal spores are airborne, indoor cats are also susceptible to IFIs. Some environmental fungi are ubiquitous and present globally, while others are endemic or hyperendemic within specific geographic regions. Zoonotic pathogens include Microsporum canis, Sporothrix schenckii and Sporothrix brasiliensis.
Aim:
In the first of a two-part article series, the approach to the investigation of feline IFIs and oomycoses is reviewed. As well as tips for diagnosis, and information on the ecological niche and distribution of fungal pathogens, the review covers clinical presentation of the most common IFIs, including cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis, blastomycosis, coccidioidomycosis, sporotrichosis, phaeohyphomycosis, aspergillosis and dermatophytic pseudomycetoma, as well as the oomycoses pythiosis, lagenidiosis and paralagenidiosis. In Part 2, the spectrum of activity, mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties and adverse effects of antifungal drugs are reviewed, and the treatment and prognosis for specific IFIs and oomycoses are discussed.
Evidence Base:
The review draws on published evidence and the authors' combined expertise in feline medicine, mycology, dermatology, clinical pathology and anatomical pathology.
Insights
Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) in cats can spread from the environment, posing a risk to indoor pets. This review covers the investigation and diagnosis of common feline IFIs and oomycoses.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Mycology
- Feline Infectious Diseases
- Environmental Microbiology
Background:
- Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) in cats involve fungal elements penetrating tissues, unlike superficial infections.
- Environmental fungi, ubiquitous or endemic, are the primary reservoir for IFIs, with airborne spores posing a risk to indoor cats.
- Zoonotic potential exists with pathogens like Microsporum canis and Sporothrix species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the investigation and diagnosis of feline invasive fungal infections (IFIs) and oomycoses.
- To provide information on the ecological niche, geographic distribution, and clinical presentation of common feline IFIs and oomycoses.
- To serve as the first part of a two-part series, focusing on diagnostic approaches.
Main Methods:
- Literature review synthesizing published evidence.
- Expert consensus from authors with combined expertise in feline medicine, mycology, dermatology, clinical pathology, and anatomical pathology.
Main Results:
- Common IFIs covered include cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis, blastomycosis, coccidioidomycosis, sporotrichosis, phaeohyphomycosis, and aspergillosis.
- Oomycoses discussed include pythiosis, lagenidiosis, and paralagenidiosis.
- The review details diagnostic tips and the ecological context of these pathogens.
Conclusions:
- Accurate diagnosis of feline IFIs and oomycoses requires understanding their environmental sources and clinical presentations.
- This review provides a foundation for diagnosing these complex infections in cats.
- Part 2 will focus on antifungal treatments and prognoses.
