Related Experiment Videos
Blastomycosis in an African lion
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
|November 1, 1980
Summary
Blastomyces dermatitidis caused pyogranulomatous lesions in an African lion affecting the lungs, trachea, and cerebrum. The fungus was shed into the environment from tracheal lesions, but could not be cultured due to freezing.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Blastomyces dermatitidis is a fungus endemic in certain geographic areas.
- Fungal infections can cause severe disease in exotic animals.
Observation:
- An African lion presented with anorexia and respiratory signs.
- Necropsy revealed pyogranulomatous lesions in multiple organs, including the cerebrum.
- Fluorescent antibody techniques confirmed Blastomyces dermatitidis.
Findings:
- Blastomyces dermatitidis was identified in lesions within the lungs, mediastinum, trachea, and cerebrum.
- Histologic evidence indicated shedding of the organism from tracheal lesions.
- Freezing rendered the organism non-viable for culture.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for Blastomyces dermatitidis to cause disseminated disease in exotic felids.
- Environmental shedding from infected animals poses a potential public health risk.
- Understanding transmission routes is crucial for disease prevention and control in wildlife and captive animals.