DIVISION OF MYCOLOGY: HISTOPLASMOSIS IN ANIMALS

Occurrence of Penicillium marneffei infections among wild bamboo rats in Thailand

Penicilliosis marneffei has emerged as an endemic systemic mycosis in Southeast Asia among humans and wild bamboo rats. To gain an insight into the epidemiology of this life-threatening disease, a survey of bamboo rats for natural infections by Penicillium marneffei was carried out in the central plains of Thailand during June-September, 1987. Thirty-one lesser bamboo rats (Cannomys badius) and eight hoary bamboo rats (Rhizomys pruinosus) were trapped. Portions of their internal organs were cultured to determine if they had been infected by P. marneffei. Six each of C. badius (19.4%) and R. pruinosus (75%) yielded cultures of this unique, dimorphic Penicillium species. All of the isolates were readily converted to their unicellular form that multiplies by the process of schizogony by incubating them at 37 degrees C on plates of brain heart infusion agar. Their identity was further confirmed by a specific immunological test. Among the internal organs of the positive rats, the lungs had the highest positivity (83.3%), next in decreased order of frequency were the liver (33.3%) and the pancreas (33.3%). The use and value of domestic and wild animals in locating and demarcating endemic areas of geophilic fungal pathogens are discussed. Penicilliosis marneffei is considered to be a zooanthroponosis--a disease that occurs in lower animals, as well as, humans.

Ocular manifestations of systemic disease in the dog and cat. Recent developments

The number of canine and feline clinical diseases that may be manifested as ocular dysfunction continues to increase. Veterinarians are often presented with sick patients who also have eye disease. Conversely, animals are examined for eye disease that on closer inspection also have a systemic illness. A decision must be made; is there a relationship between the observed ocular and systemic problem, or are they separate morbid processes? If they are related, can the ocular signs be used to better define the systemic illness, chart its course, or establish a prognosis? It is hoped this article will aid the clinician in gaining a better perspective on the complex relationship between the eyes and systemic disease.

The occurrence of histoplasmosis in epidemics; epidemiological studies

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