Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat with Mycobacterium fortuitum lung infection linked to lipids
By Couto, S S & Artacho, C A·Published in Veterinary pathology·2007·The Animal Medical Center, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Mycobacterium fortuitum pneumonia in a cat and the role of lipid in the pathogenesis of atypical mycobacterial infections.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A cat was diagnosed with pneumonia caused by a type of bacteria called Mycobacterium fortuitum, which is unusual but can happen. The cat showed symptoms similar to those seen in lipoid pneumonia, a condition often linked to fat in the lungs. Treatment for this type of pneumonia can be tricky, especially since it may not respond to standard antibiotics. It's important for pet owners to know that if their cat has pneumonia that isn't improving, this specific bacteria could be a possible cause.
People also search for: cat pneumonia treatment · Mycobacterium fortuitum in cats · why is my cat coughing · cat respiratory infection antibiotics
Abstract
Mycobacterium fortuitum is a saprophytic, fast-growing, nontuberculous, and nonlepromatous mycobacterium that can cause infections in animals and humans. In dogs and cats, it is one of the most common agents of ulcerative dermatitides and panniculitides caused by atypical mycobacteria. In humans, it is frequently found in lipoid pneumonias or contaminated surgical sites. We report a cat with granulomatous pneumonia caused by M fortuitum resembling lipoid pneumonia in humans. The similarity between the histopathology of the lung and skin lesions caused by this organism in dogs and cats is emphasized. We discuss the role of lipids in the pathogenesis of mycobacterioses and suggest an association between atypical mycobacteria and lipid-rich environments. We conclude that M fortuitum should be included as a differential in cases of lipid-rich pneumonias that do not respond to common antibiotics.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17606521/