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Alimentary mycosis in sloths
Daniel Felipe Barrantes Murillo1, Alexis Berrocal2, Roberto W I Olivares3,4
1Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK.
Veterinary Pathology
|November 26, 2025
Summary
Alimentary mycosis, fungal infections in sloth digestive tracts, is rarely documented. This study identified Trichosporon asahii as a common cause, highlighting diagnostic challenges and predisposing factors in sloths.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Mycology
- Zoological Medicine
Background:
- Alimentary mycosis is infrequently reported in sloths, necessitating further investigation into its prevalence and etiology.
- Fungal infections of the digestive tract can significantly impact sloth health, particularly in captive or immunocompromised individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the histological characteristics of alimentary mycosis in sloths.
- To identify the specific fungal agents responsible for these infections using molecular methods.
- To explore potential predisposing factors for alimentary mycosis in sloths.
Main Methods:
- A multi-institutional retrospective study analyzing histological samples from sloth digestive tracts.
- Panfungal polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the ITS-2 gene was employed for etiological identification.
- Case data including species, age, housing, and lesion location were reviewed.
Main Results:
- Eleven cases of alimentary mycosis were identified across three sloth species, primarily affecting the stomach, tongue, and esophagus.
- Histological findings included pustules, erosions, ulcers, and hyperkeratosis with intralesional fungal elements.
- Panfungal PCR confirmed *Trichosporon asahii* in 45% of cases, with *Penicillium* sp. and *Wallemia mellicola* identified in one case each. *Candida* sp. was not detected.
Conclusions:
- *Trichosporon asahii* is a significant cause of alimentary mycosis in sloths, presenting diagnostic challenges due to overlapping features with *Candida* species.
- Younger age, canine distemper virus co-infection, late pregnancy, and antibiotic use are potential predisposing factors for alimentary mycosis in sloths.
- Trichosporonosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of fungal alimentary lesions in sloths, especially when definitive diagnostic methods are limited.
Keywords:
Bradypus variegatusCholoepus didactylusCholoepus hoffmanniCosta RicaHoffmann’s 2-toed slothITS-2 PCRLinnaeus’s 2-toed slothPenicillium sp.Trichosporon asahiiTrichosporonosisWallemia mellicolaalimentary mycosisbrown-throated slothMore Related Videos
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