[Pulmonary and hepatic aspergillomas in the deer]

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Pathology
• Mycology
• Wildlife Disease

Background:

• Aspergillomas are fungal granulomas, often caused by Aspergillus species.
• Deer can be susceptible to various fungal infections affecting internal organs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the pathological findings of solitary aspergillomas in deer.
• To document the gross and microscopic characteristics of these lesions.

Main Methods:

• Necropsy examination of four deer with suspected fungal infections.
• Gross and histopathological evaluation of lung and liver tissues.
• Identification of fungal elements within the lesions.

Main Results:

• Four cases of solitary aspergillomas were identified in two deer lungs and two deer livers.
• Lesions were bulky, necrotic, and distinctly green.
• Pulmonary aspergillomas showed communication with bronchi.
• Histopathology revealed abundant Aspergillus fumigatus hyphae interwoven within necrotic tissue.

Conclusions:

• Aspergillomas can occur as solitary lesions in deer lungs and liver.
• The characteristic green, necrotic appearance is a key gross finding.
• Aspergillus fumigatus is the causative agent, with hyphae infiltrating affected tissues.