Systemic mycosis caused by Acremonium sp in a dog

A 4-year-old female German Shepherd Dog was examined to determine the cause of ataxia, progressive head tilt, anorexia, lethargy, and weight loss of 3 weeks' duration. A vestibular syndrome, generalized lymphadenopathy, bilateral uveitis, and chorioretinitis with complete detachment of the left retina were detected. Abnormal clinicopathologic findings were isosthenuria and hyperglobulinemia. The non-functional left eye was enucleated and fungal organisms resembling Aspergillus spp were identified on histologic examination. Microbial culture of a urine sample yielded Acremonium sp, which was initially considered a contaminant. The dog was considered to have systemic aspergillosis and was treated with itraconazole for 7 months, until it was euthanatized because of persistent vomiting and anorexia. Postmortem examination revealed multisystemic pyogranulomatous and necrotizing inflammation of the myocardium, pericardium, liver, and kidneys; and granulomatous splenitis, lymphadenitis, retinitis, endometritis, and meningoencephalitis. Fungal culture of affected organs yielded Acremonium sp. These findings indicated that Acremonium spp can be pathogenic and should not be ignored when cultured.