Protothecosis in Dogs: A Narrative Review

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Mycology
• Infectious Diseases
• Canine Health

Background:

• Protothecosis is a rare disease caused by Prototheca microalgae, affecting humans and animals.
• While typically saprophytic, Prototheca can become pathogenic in immunocompromised hosts.
• This review focuses on protothecosis specifically in dogs, synthesizing existing literature.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize current literature on canine protothecosis.
• To analyze disease features, diagnosis, and management of Prototheca infections in dogs.
• To highlight protothecosis as an emerging challenge in veterinary medicine.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search of five open-access repositories.
• Two independent reviewers screened original studies and case reports.
• Data synthesis of 125 canine protothecosis cases from 80 studies.

Main Results:

• Protothecosis in dogs is an emerging disease requiring advanced diagnostic and management strategies.
• Gastrointestinal signs were reported in 54.4% of cases.
• Disseminated systemic infection, affecting multiple organs, was the most common manifestation (67.2%).

Conclusions:

• Canine protothecosis presents a complex diagnostic and therapeutic challenge.
• Understanding clinical and laboratory findings is crucial for effective management.
• Further research is needed to improve outcomes for infected dogs.