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Systemic fungal infections in cats
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
|November 1, 1978
Summary
Fungal infections, including Aspergillus and phycomycetes, caused pneumonia, ileitis, and colitis in three cats. These infections may have been exacerbated by feline panleukopenia and antibiotic treatment.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Mycology
Background:
- Fungal infections can cause severe disease in felines.
- Opportunistic fungal infections may occur in immunocompromised cats.
Observation:
- Three cats presented with necropsy findings of pneumonia, ileitis, and colitis.
- Aspergillus species were identified as the cause of pneumonia and ileitis in one cat.
- A second cat had necrotizing pneumonia due to Aspergillus species.
- A third cat experienced severe necrotizing colitis attributed to a phycomycete.
Findings:
- Two cats exhibited signs consistent with feline panleukopenia, potentially increasing susceptibility to fungal infections.
- Prolonged antibiotic treatment in the cats may have facilitated tissue invasion by Aspergillus species and phycomycetes.
Implications:
- This study highlights the potential for Aspergillus and phycomycetes to cause severe gastrointestinal and respiratory disease in cats.
- Feline panleukopenia and antibiotic use are identified as potential risk factors for invasive fungal infections in cats.
- Further research into the pathogenesis and treatment of fungal infections in felines is warranted.