Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Equine zygomycosis caused by Conidiobolus lamprauges.
- Journal:
- Journal of clinical microbiology
- Year:
- 1989
- Authors:
- Humber, R A et al.
- Affiliation:
- U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service Plant · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 15-year-old Arabian mare from southern Louisiana had been experiencing nosebleeds and significant weight loss for two months. A large mass filled with nodules was found in her throat, and she was put to sleep at her owner's request. Tests revealed that this mass contained a fungus called Conidiobolus lamprauges, which is the first time this fungus has been reported in a vertebrate. The researchers believe that the mare may have been infected by breathing in spores from decaying plant material in her bedding. Unfortunately, the treatment options were not effective, leading to her euthanasia.
Abstract
A 15-year-old Arabian mare from southern Louisiana with a 2-month history of periodic epistaxis and severe weight loss had a large, fibrosing, granulomatous mass containing numerous nodules ("kunkers") projecting dorsally into the nasopharynx, and was euthanized at the owner's request. In addition to these kunkers, the mass contained a single trematode tentatively identified as Fasciola hepatica. Several kunkers were removed, washed thoroughly in sterile water and embedded in nutrient agars; the fungus that grew out of them was identified as Conidiobolus lamprauges Drechsler (Entomophthorales: Ancylistaceae). This is the first report of C. lamprauges from any vertebrate mycosis, and only the third Conidiobolus species reported from vertebrates. Unlike many other entomophthoraleans, the fungus isolated from this mycosis grew well at 37 degrees C. The possible means by which Conidiobolus species may infect vertebrates is discussed. These mycoses probably result most often from chronic exposure during sleep to conidia discharged from fungal growth on decaying plant material in the bedding.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2715329/