Coccidioidomycosis

Coccidioidomycosis



Basic Information image



Definition


A systemic fungal infection of equids and other mammals that may result in pneumonia, osteomyelitis, mastitis, abortion, or superficial or internal abscessation.



Epidemiology



Contagion and Zoonosis




• Horses and humans acquire disease by inhalation of arthroconidia or rarely through the skin.


• Horse-to-horse and horse-to-human transmission is very rare. However, there is one report of a veterinarian developing fatal disease after attending the necropsy of a horse with disseminated coccidioidomycosis.



Geography and Seasonality




• Indigenous to the southwestern and western United States and areas of Mexico, Central America, and South America between 40 degrees south latitude and 40 degrees north latitude


• Areas with significant problems often have hot, dry summers with relatively mild winters and moderate rainfall.


• Cases are most common in late summer and fall.



Clinical Presentation



Disease Forms/Subtypes




• Respiratory disease is common because infection is usually acquired by inhalation.


• Systemic dissemination may occur, leading to disease in a variety of locations.


• Cutaneous inoculation may cause localized subcutaneous infection.



History, Chief Complaint




• Fever, weight loss


• Signs reflecting an internal site of infection


• Respiratory tract infection: Increased respiratory rate, cough, dyspnea

• Osteomyelitis: Pain, lameness, neurologic signs

• Abdominal infection: Colic

• Subcutaneous infection: Abscess, chronic draining tracts

• Respiratory tract: Abortion, placentitis


Physical Exam Findings


Vary to reflect the site of infection



Etiology and Pathophysiology




• Coccidioides immitis is a diphasic, pleomorphic mold and fungus.


• The saprobic phase is found in nature and in culture.


• Hyphae differentiate into chains of arthroconidia (spores).
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Jul 24, 2016 | Posted by in SMALL ANIMAL | Comments Off on Coccidioidomycosis

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