Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Mycobacterium genavense infection found in ferret blood smear
By Fonseca, Joana et al.·Published in Veterinary Record Case Reports·2024·Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusófona University ‐ Lisbon University Centre Lisbon Portugal·View original on Crossref →
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Original publication title: Mycobacterium genavense detection in a blood smear from a domestic ferret
- Species:
- rodent
Plain-English summary
A domestic ferret was brought in with poor body condition and swollen organs, which raised concerns about a serious infection. Tests revealed the presence of Mycobacterium genavense, a type of bacteria that can infect ferrets. The vet started treatment with a combination of antibiotics, including rifampicin, clarithromycin, and enrofloxacin. After 16 months of ongoing treatment, the ferret is still under care, but the signs of illness have improved, and the vet will continue to monitor for any potential recurrence of the infection.
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Abstract
Abstract The domestic ferret is sensitive to mycobacterial infections, which are likely underdiagnosed. There are limited reports of therapy for mycobacteriosis in ferrets and most have failed. A ferret in poor body condition revealed marked organomegaly on diagnostic imaging. The complete blood count revealed a mild pseudoeosinophilia, which might be attributed to negatively stained bacilli phagocytised by monocytes observed in the blood smear. Ziehl–Neelsen stain was performed and showed acid‐fast bacilli within monocytes. Fine‐needle aspirates of the spleen and liver revealed the same finding. Mycobacterium genavense was identified by PCR and DNA sequencing from peripheral blood. Treatment with rifampicin, clarithromycin and enrofloxacin was initiated. The disseminated mycobacteriosis was suspected from the observation of bacilli on the blood smear. After 16 months, the ferret is still undergoing treatment. To prevent recurrence, continued monitoring of drug toxicity and effective therapy will be maintained even after the resolution of clinical signs (mostly organomegaly).
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Search related cases →Original publication on Crossref: https://doi.org/10.1002/vrc2.967