Epidemiologic risk factors associated with canine systemic mycoses

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Mycology
• Canine Infectious Diseases
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Systemic mycoses, including blastomycosis, coccidioidomycosis, and histoplasmosis, pose significant health risks to dogs.
• Understanding host and seasonal risk factors is crucial for effective prevention and management of these fungal infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate host-specific (age, sex, breed) and seasonal risk factors for three systemic mycoses in dogs.
• To determine the relative prevalence of blastomycosis, coccidioidomycosis, and histoplasmosis in the canine population.

Main Methods:

• A prevalence study design was employed.
• Host factors (age, sex, breed) and seasonal trends were analyzed using an epidemiologic trend model.

Main Results:

• Histoplasmosis was the most frequently diagnosed mycosis among the three studied.
• Male dogs exhibited a higher prevalence for all three mycoses compared to females.
• Increased risk for coccidioidomycosis was observed in dogs aged 4-7 years, while histoplasmosis risk was elevated in dogs aged 2-7 years.
• Specific breeds (Pointer, Weimaraner, Brittany Spaniel) showed increased risk for histoplasmosis.
• All three mycoses demonstrated distinct and significant seasonal prevalence patterns.

Conclusions:

• Canine systemic mycoses are influenced by a combination of host factors and seasonality.
• Breed, age, and sex are important considerations for blastomycosis, coccidioidomycosis, and histoplasmosis risk in dogs.
• The distinct seasonal trends of these mycoses suggest targeted surveillance and intervention strategies may be beneficial.