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Lovato L, Moore T, Stainback L, Plummer SB, Knowles KE, Sage J. Convergence Retraction Nystagmus Secondary to Central Nervous System Disseminated Coccidioides Immitis Infection in a Dog. Vet Med Sci 2025; 11:e70249. [PMID: 40034009 PMCID: PMC11876774 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.70249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2025] [Indexed: 03/05/2025] Open
Abstract
This report describes a Belgian Malinois dog residing in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona that was presented to a veterinary neurology center with abnormal eye movements as his only clinical sign. On examination, clinical signs were isolated to convergence-retraction nystagmus. A brain MRI was performed which identified two well-demarcated, T2-hypointense and T1-isointense, avidly contrast enhancing mass lesions with moderate to severe perilesional T2 and FLAIR hyperintensity within the left frontal lobe and left dorsal midbrain. Imaging characteristics were most consistent with Coccidioides immitis fungal granulomas and serology was supportive of Coccidioidomycosis infection. The patient's clinical signs resolved quickly with antifungal and anti-inflammatory therapies, and brain granulomas were resolved or resolving on repeat imaging 10 months after initial diagnosis. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of convergence-retraction nystagmus secondary to an infectious etiology described in a canine patient.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Jaime Sage
- Sage Veterinary ImagingRound RockTexasUSA
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Royaux E, Corbetta D, Czerwiñska M, Gosling F, Genain M. Clinicopathological and diagnostic imaging findings in a dog with neurocandidiasis. J Vet Intern Med 2024; 38:2362-2367. [PMID: 38769641 PMCID: PMC11256180 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.17093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurocandidiasis is systemic candidiasis with central nervous system involvement. This case report describes the clinical presentation, diagnostic test results, and histopathology of a dog with neurocandidiasis. A 3-year-old German shepherd dog was presented for a 3-day history of abnormal mentation, neck pain, and ataxia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the brain revealed multifocal, small, round, intra-axial lesions within the forebrain. Examination of the cerebrospinal fluid revealed severe neutrophilic inflammation. Extensive testing for infectious diseases was negative. The dog was administered immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids. The dog's clinical signs improved transiently but got worse 12 days after starting the treatment. Repeat MRI scan revealed multiple, intra-axial, target-like nodular lesions scattered throughout the brain parenchyma. In the temporal muscles, nodules were seen. Cytology of the fine needle aspirates of the nodules in the temporal muscles revealed a neutrophilic inflammation with hyalohyphomycosis. Postmortem examination was compatible with a severe systemic fungal infection. Candida albicans was isolated from the brain, kidney, and heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Royaux
- Davies Veterinary Specialists part of Linnaeus Veterinary LimitedHitchinUnited Kingdom
| | - Davide Corbetta
- The Queen's Veterinary Hospital, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Monika Czerwiñska
- Davies Veterinary Specialists part of Linnaeus Veterinary LimitedHitchinUnited Kingdom
| | - Fiona Gosling
- Veterinary Pathology Group (VPG)HitchinUnited Kingdom
| | - Marie‐Aude Genain
- Cambridge Veterinary School, Veterinary MedicineCambridgeUnited Kingdom
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3
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Grill FJ, Jaffey JA, Grys TE, Rayhel LH, Lake DF. Two lateral flow assays for detection of anti-coccidioidal antibodies show similar performance to immunodiffusion in dogs with coccidioidomycosis. Am J Vet Res 2024; 85:ajvr.23.12.0272. [PMID: 38531155 PMCID: PMC11246667 DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.23.12.0272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare 2 point-of-care lateral flow assays (LFAs) with immunodiffusion (ID) IgG results for anti-coccidioidal antibody detection in dogs with coccidioidomycosis. A further aim was to compare the quantifiable output of 1 of the LFAs to ID antibody titers. SAMPLE Serum banked from 73 client-owned dogs diagnosed with pulmonary or disseminated coccidioidomycosis. METHODS ID was used to determine antibody presence and titer against a coccidioidal antigen preparation. All sera were subsequently tested on an LFA based on recombinant chitinase 1 (CTS1) and the commercially available sōna LFA. LFA results were analyzed and compared to ID IgG results and clinical diagnosis. RESULTS All assays showed similar sensitivities in detecting anti-coccidioidal antibodies (83.6% to 89.0%). When compared with ID IgG, the CTS1 LFA had a positive percent agreement of 100%, while the sōna LFA had a positive percent agreement of 91.4%. Since the CTS1 LFA is semiquantitative, we were able to compare test line densities with ID titers and found a strong correlation between the 2 assays (Spearman ρ = 0.82). CLINICAL RELEVANCE This is the first side-by-side evaluation of a commercially available LFA (sōna) and a newer more rapid anti-CTS1 antibody LFA using serum from dogs with coccidioidomycosis. Both LFAs tested have similar sensitivity to ID IgG results. The CTS1 LFA can be read after 10 minutes and is semiquantitative, while the sōna LFA is read after 30 minutes, and the results are subject to interpretation. Accurate and fast detection of anti-coccidioidal antibodies allows clinicians to initiate appropriate treatment without diagnostic delay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisca J. Grill
- Cactus Bio, LLC, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ
| | - Jared A. Jaffey
- Department of Specialty Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ
| | - Thomas E. Grys
- Cactus Bio, LLC, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ
| | - Laura H. Rayhel
- Department of Specialty Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ
| | - Douglas F. Lake
- Cactus Bio, LLC, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
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Ferguson AJ, Thompson GR, Bruyette D, Sykes JE. The dog as a sentinel and animal model for coccidioidomycosis. Med Mycol 2024; 62:myad139. [PMID: 38148116 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myad139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Coccidioidomycosis is a potentially fatal fungal disease of humans and animals that follows inhalation of Coccidioides spp. arthroconidia in the environment. The disease in dogs resembles that in people, and because dogs may be at increased risk of exposure due to their proximity to the ground and digging behavior, they are valuable models for the disease in humans. Dogs have been sentinels for identification of new regions of endemicity in Washington and Texas. Canine serosurveillance has also been used to predict variables associated with environmental presence of Coccidioides spp. Expansion of the endemic region of coccidioidomycosis with climate change-along with predicted population increases and increased development in the southwest United States-may result in 45.4 million additional people at risk of infection by 2090. Here we provide an overview of the value of dogs as sentinels for the disease and encourage the routine reporting of coccidioidomycosis cases in dogs to public health agencies. We also highlight the value of dogs as naturally occurring models for studying novel treatment options and preventatives, such as a novel live avirulent coccidioidomycosis vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J Ferguson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, USA
| | - George R Thompson
- Department of Internal Medicine - Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California-Davis, Davis, USA
| | | | - Jane E Sykes
- Department of Medicine & Epidemiology, University of California-Davis, Davis, USA
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Grill FJ, Svarovsky S, Gonzalez-Moa M, Kaleta E, Blair JE, Lovato L, Grant R, Ross K, Linnehan BK, Meegan J, Reilly KS, Brown A, Williams S, Chung Y, Magee DM, Grys TE, Lake DF. Development of a rapid lateral flow assay for detection of anti-coccidioidal antibodies. J Clin Microbiol 2023; 61:e0063123. [PMID: 37655868 PMCID: PMC10512788 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00631-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Coccidioides spp. are dimorphic fungi that are capable of infecting human and non-human mammals and can cause diverse manifestations of coccidioidomycosis or Valley fever (VF). In combination with clinical symptoms and radiographic findings, antibody-based diagnostic tests are often used to diagnose and monitor patients with VF. Chitinase 1 (CTS1) has previously been identified as the seroreactive antigen used in these diagnostic assays to detect anticoccidial IgG. Here, an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to detect IgG to CTS1 demonstrated 165 of 178 (92.7%) patients with a positive result by immunodiffusion (ID) and/or complement fixation (CF) had antibodies to the single antigen CTS1. We then developed a rapid antibody lateral flow assay (LFA) to detect anti-CTS1 antibodies. Out of 143 samples tested, the LFA showed 92.9% positive percent agreement [95% confidence interval (CI), 84.3%-96.9%] and 97.7% negative percent agreement (95% CI, 87.9%-99.6%) with ID and CF assays. Serum or plasma from canines, macaques, and dolphins was also tested by the CTS1 LFA. Test line densities of the CTS1 LFA correlated in a linear manner with the reported CF and ID titers for human and non-human samples, respectively. This 10-min point-of-care test for the rapid detection of anti-coccidioidal antibodies could help to inform healthcare providers in real-time, potentially improving the efficiency of healthcare delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Erin Kaleta
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Janis E. Blair
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Lydia Lovato
- Veterinary Neurological Center, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Richard Grant
- Washington National Primate Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Kyle Ross
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, California, USA
| | | | - Jenny Meegan
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Kenta S. Reilly
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Ashlyn Brown
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Stacy Williams
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Yunro Chung
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - D. Mitchell Magee
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Thomas E. Grys
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Douglas F. Lake
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
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Jaffey JA, Shubitz LF, Johnson MDL, Bolch CA, da Cunha A, Murthy AK, Lopez BS, Monasky R, Carswell I, Spiker J, Neubert MJ, Menghani SV. Evaluation of Host Constitutive and Ex Vivo Coccidioidal Antigen-Stimulated Immune Response in Dogs with Naturally Acquired Coccidioidomycosis. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:213. [PMID: 36836327 PMCID: PMC9959558 DOI: 10.3390/jof9020213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The early innate immune response to coccidioidomycosis has proven to be pivotal in directing the adaptive immune response and disease outcome in mice and humans but is unexplored in dogs. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the innate immune profile of dogs with coccidioidomycosis and determine if differences exist based on the extent of infection (i.e., pulmonary or disseminated). A total of 28 dogs with coccidioidomycosis (pulmonary, n = 16; disseminated, n = 12) and 10 seronegative healthy controls were enrolled. Immunologic testing was performed immediately, without ex vivo incubation (i.e., constitutive), and after coccidioidal antigen stimulation of whole blood cultures. Whole blood cultures were incubated with a phosphate-buffered solution (PBS) (negative control) or a coccidioidal antigen (rCTS1 (105-310); 10 µg/mL) for 24 h. A validated canine-specific multiplex bead-based assay was used to measure 12 cytokines in plasma and cell culture supernatant. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) was measured with an ELISA assay. Leukocyte expression of toll-like receptors (TLRs)2 and TLR4 was measured using flow cytometry. Dogs with coccidioidomycosis had higher constitutive plasma keratinocyte chemotactic (KC)-like concentrations (p = 0.02) and serum CRP concentrations compared to controls (p < 0.001). Moreover, dogs with pulmonary coccidioidomycosis had higher serum CRP concentrations than those with dissemination (p = 0.001). Peripheral blood leukocytes from dogs with coccidioidomycosis produced higher concentrations of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α (p = 0.0003), interleukin (IL)-6 (p = 0.04), interferon (IFN)-γ (p = 0.03), monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 (p = 0.02), IL-10 (p = 0.02), and lower IL-8 (p = 0.003) in supernatants following coccidioidal antigen stimulation when compared to those from control dogs. There was no detectable difference between dogs with pulmonary and disseminated disease. No differences in constitutive or stimulated leukocyte TLR2 and TLR4 expression were found. These results provide information about the constitutive and coccidioidal antigen-specific stimulated immune profile in dogs with naturally acquired coccidioidomycosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jared A. Jaffey
- Department of Specialty Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ 85308, USA
| | - Lisa F. Shubitz
- Valley Fever Center for Excellence, College of Medicine-Tucson, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Michael D. L. Johnson
- Department of Immunobiology, Valley Fever Center for Excellence, BIO5 Institute, Asthma and Airway Disease Research Center, University of Arizona, College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Charlotte A. Bolch
- Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, College of Graduate Studies, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ 85308, USA
| | - Anderson da Cunha
- Department of Specialty Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ 85308, USA
| | - Ashlesh K. Murthy
- Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ 85308, USA
| | - Brina S. Lopez
- Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ 85308, USA
| | - Ross Monasky
- Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ 85308, USA
| | - Imani Carswell
- Department of Specialty Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ 85308, USA
| | - Justine Spiker
- Department of Specialty Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ 85308, USA
| | - Miranda J. Neubert
- Department of Immunobiology, College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Sanjay V. Menghani
- Department of Immunobiology, Medical Scientist Training Program, College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
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Jaffey JA, Kreisler R, Shubitz LF, Backus RC, Hostnik ET, Wycislo KL, Monasky R, Schaffer M, Holland C. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations in dogs with coccidioidomycosis and variables associated with extent of clinically evident disease. Vet Med (Auckl) 2023; 37:150-160. [PMID: 36629803 PMCID: PMC9889719 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinicopathologic variables predictive of disseminated coccidioidomycosis are known in humans but have not been explored in dogs. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin (OH)D correlates with severity of disease of various etiologies in dogs but its role in coccidioidomycosis is unknown. OBJECTIVE Determine whether serum 25(OH)D concentrations are different in dogs with coccidioidomycosis compared with healthy controls and if clinicopathologic variables are associated with extent of disease. ANIMALS Thirty-five dogs with coccidioidomycosis (pulmonary, n = 13; disseminated, n = 15; uncharacterized, n = 7), and 25 healthy control dogs. METHODS Prospective cohort study. Serum 25(OH)D and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations were measured with modified-HPLC and a commercial ELISA kit, respectively. RESULTS There was no difference in 25(OH)D concentrations between dogs with coccidioidomycosis (median, interquartile range [IQR]; 31.9 ng/mL, 23.3-49.2) and controls (29.5 ng/mL, 25.6-40.8, P = .73). Serum 25(OH)D concentration was lower in dogs with coccidioidomycosis and IgG titers ≥1:32 than dogs with titers below this cut-off (P = .02). Dogs with IgG titers ≥1:32 were more likely to have disseminated disease (OR, 7.5; 95% CI: 1.1-68; P = .03). Serum CRP concentrations were higher in dogs with IgG titers ≥1:16 (median, IQR; 4474.8 ng/mL, 2885.8-8236.1) than in those below this cut-off (151.2 ng/mL, 30.4-2907.3; P = .02). There was a significant inverse association between serum 25(OH)D and CRP at 25(OH)D concentrations ≤33 ng/mL. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Serum 25(OH)D concentration was lower for dogs with IgG titers ≥1:32, indicating a potential association between semi-quantitative titers and 25(OH)D concentrations in dogs with coccidioidomycosis. IgG titers ≥1:32 yielded higher odds of disseminated disease, but was inadequate as a standalone test to determine form of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jared A. Jaffey
- Department of Specialty MedicineMidwestern University College of Veterinary MedicineGlendaleArizonaUSA
| | - Rachael Kreisler
- Department of Primary Care, Shelter, and Community MedicineMidwestern University College of Veterinary MedicineGlendaleArizonaUSA
| | - Lisa F. Shubitz
- Valley Fever Center for ExcellenceUniversity of Arizona College of Medicine‐TucsonTucsonArizonaUSA
| | - Robert C. Backus
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Health CenterUniversity of MissouriColumbiaMissouriUSA
| | - Eric T. Hostnik
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary MedicineThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
| | - Kathryn L. Wycislo
- Department of PathologyMidwestern University College of Veterinary MedicineGlendaleArizonaUSA
| | - Ross Monasky
- Department of Specialty MedicineMidwestern University College of Veterinary MedicineGlendaleArizonaUSA
| | - Magen Schaffer
- Department of Specialty MedicineMidwestern University College of Veterinary MedicineGlendaleArizonaUSA
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Dowdy H, Evans JE, Jaffey JA, Wycislo KL, Struthers JD, Hostnik ET. Case Report: Successful Management of a Compressive Intraspinal Coccidioides Species Granuloma in a Cat. Front Vet Sci 2022; 8:801885. [PMID: 35036415 PMCID: PMC8757464 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.801885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A 9-year-old, neutered male, domestic shorthair cat from Arizona, was presented for evaluation of a 7-day history of hind limb paraparesis that progressed to paraplegia. There was no history of respiratory abnormalities. Neurologic examination supported localization of a T3-L3 myelopathy. Computed tomography (CT) revealed an expansile widening of the spinal canal dorsal to L4 associated with a strongly contrast-enhancing mass. Moreover, CT series of the thorax revealed a diffuse miliary pulmonary pattern, as well as tracheobronchial, sternal, and cranial mediastinal lymphadenomegaly. Transthoracic lung lobe and sternal lymph node fine needle aspiration revealed pyogranulomatous inflammation with Coccidioides spp. spherules and endospores. A suspected diagnosis of spinal coccidioidomycosis was made; fluconazole (10.9 mg/kg PO q12h) treatment was initiated, and decompressive neurosurgery was performed. The granuloma was removed en bloc and histopathology revealed marked, chronic-active, pyogranulomatous myelitis with intralesional Coccidioides spp. spherules with endosporulation. Serum anti-Coccidioides spp. antibody titer results revealed a negative IgM and a positive IgG (1:4). The cat was treated with fluconazole for 445 days and examined at various time points, with the last examination 2 years after initial presentation. The cat returned to full ambulation with only mild functional deficits of the right hind limb. In conclusion, this report documents the diagnosis, treatment, and long-term follow up of a cat with a compressive Coccidioides spp. spinal cord granuloma. This case highlights the importance of including coccidioidomycosis as a differential diagnosis for cats with peracute hindlimb paraplegia that have lived in or traveled to regions where Coccidioides spp. is endemic, and demonstrates the potential for a good long-term outcome with decompressive neurosurgery and antifungal therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Dowdy
- Department of Specialty Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ, United States
| | - Jason E Evans
- Department of Specialty Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ, United States
| | - Jared A Jaffey
- Department of Specialty Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ, United States
| | - Kathryn L Wycislo
- Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ, United States
| | - Jason D Struthers
- Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ, United States
| | - Eric T Hostnik
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Veterinary Medical Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
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Kelley AJ, Stainback LB, Knowles KE, Moore TW, Plummer SB, Shoup OR. Clinical characteristics, magnetic resonance imaging features, treatment, and outcome for presumed intracranial coccidioidomycosis in 45 dogs (2009-2019). J Vet Intern Med 2021; 35:2222-2231. [PMID: 34410019 PMCID: PMC8478036 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Knowledge of the clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of intracranial Coccidioides infection in dogs is essential for prompt diagnosis to limit disease‐associated morbidity and death. Objectives To describe the MRI appearance of intracranial coccidioidomycosis in dogs, identify associated clinical and clinicopathologic findings, and report outcomes of medical treatment. Animals Forty‐five client‐owned dogs with presumed intracranial Coccidioides infection. Methods Retrospective case series. Medical records and images were reviewed. Clinical history, examination findings, serology, imaging characteristics, treatment, and outcome were recorded. Included cases had an abnormal brain MRI and positive Coccidioides serology by agar‐gel‐immunodiffusion (AGID). Results Median age was 7‐years. Generalized tonic‐clonic seizures were the most common presenting sign (25/45). Two lesion categories were identified: a granulomatous form with 1 or more distinct, intra‐axial, contrast‐enhancing foci (37/45), and a second variation with diffuse, bilateral, symmetrical lesions of the caudate nuclei and frontal lobes (8/45). Serum IgG titers ranged from 1 : 1 to ≥ 1 : 256; 2 dogs had positive IgM titers at 1 : 2. All dogs with follow‐up serology (34/45) had a reduction in titer. Mean duration of follow‐up was 22.4 ± 20.5 months (median 16 months). Six dogs were lost to follow‐up <1‐year after diagnosis (median 9 months). Five dogs were clinically well but had yet to be followed for >1‐year. Of the remaining 34 dogs, 28 (82%) were alive ≥ 1‐year after diagnosis. Thirteen of these dogs had follow‐up times ≥ 2‐years. Conclusions and Clinical Importance The prognosis for intracranial Coccidioides infection is generally more favorable with medical treatment than in earlier reports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley J Kelley
- Specialists in Companion Animal Neurology, Naples, Florida, USA
| | | | - Kim E Knowles
- Veterinary Neurological Center, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
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