Veterinary mycology – mycolab.ai

Emergence of Rhodotorula mucilaginosa among pet animals: a possible public health risk on the move

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Researchers discovered that a fungus called Rhodotorula mucilaginosa is increasingly infecting pet dogs and cats, particularly in their ears and nasal passages. This yeast was previously thought to be harmless but is now recognized as a disease-causing pathogen that shows resistance to many common antifungal medications. The study raises important concerns about the potential transmission of this infection from pets to their human caregivers, suggesting pet owners should be aware of this emerging health risk.

Addressing Critical Fungal Pathogens Under a One Health Perspective: Key Insights from the Portuguese Association of Medical Mycology

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Four dangerous fungal species pose growing threats to human health worldwide, especially for people with weakened immune systems. Portugal’s medical experts have reviewed the current situation, finding these fungi increasingly resistant to treatment, present in hospitals and the environment, and occasionally spreading from animals to people. The review emphasizes the need for better testing, coordinated tracking systems, and approaches that consider human, animal, and environmental health together to combat this emerging crisis.

A case of Blastomyces helicus pneumonia in a dog from a non-endemic region: diagnostic challenges and successful treatment outcome

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A dog from Colorado developed a severe respiratory infection that was initially mistaken for a bacterial pneumonia. After antibiotics failed to help, advanced testing revealed the dog had a fungal infection caused by Blastomyces helicus, a rare fungus found in western North America. The dog was successfully treated with an antifungal medication called itraconazole and made a complete recovery within six months, demonstrating the importance of considering fungal infections when standard treatments fail.

Disseminated Lichtheimia ramosa infection in a Japanese Black calf

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A young cow developed a severe fungal infection caused by Lichtheimia ramosa, a rare type of mold. The infection spread throughout the cow’s body, affecting the liver and digestive system. The cow had an underdeveloped immune system (thymus hypoplasia) and was given multiple antibiotics for weeks, which actually made the fungal infection worse by killing normal protective bacteria. Despite various treatments, the cow’s condition worsened and it had to be euthanized.

Disseminated Scytalidium philadelphianum infection in a Belgian Malinois

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A Belgian Malinois dog developed a serious fungal infection caused by Scytalidium philadelphianum, a rare mold, that affected the spine and eventually the brain. The infection was diagnosed through imaging, fluid samples, and fungal culture from the dog’s urine and spine tissue. Despite treatment with multiple antifungal medications over seven months, the dog’s condition worsened with seizures and nerve damage, leading to euthanasia. This case marks the first documented instance of this particular fungal species causing widespread disease in animals.

Dual-Emission FRET-PCR Outperforms SYBR Green and EvaGreen for Accurate Discrimination of Primary Canine Dermatophytes: Microsporum canis, Nannizzia gypsea, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes

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This research developed a new rapid test called FRET-PCR that can identify three common fungal infections in dogs within 2.5 hours, compared to 2-4 weeks for traditional culture methods. The test works by detecting specific genetic markers in fungal DNA and measuring temperature changes that differ for each fungal species. When compared to two other molecular tests (SYBR Green and EvaGreen), the FRET-PCR method was more accurate and sensitive, even able to detect a single copy of the target gene. This faster, more accurate identification will help veterinarians choose the right treatment more quickly and prevent spread of fungal infections.

Deep Fungal Infection of the Skin with Two Rare Fungi in a Dog Being Treated with Immunosuppressant Therapy: A Case Report

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A dog being treated for brain inflammation with immune-suppressing drugs developed a serious skin infection caused by two unusual fungi not previously reported together in veterinary medicine. The infection proved difficult to diagnose, requiring tissue samples and specialized laboratory testing to identify the fungi and determine which antifungal drugs would work best. Despite treatment with antifungal medications and reducing the immunosuppressive drugs, the infection did not improve and the dog’s underlying condition worsened, ultimately requiring euthanasia. This case shows the serious risks of fungal infections in animals on long-term immunosuppressive therapy and highlights the need for careful monitoring and early detection.

First isolation of Prototheca bovis from a bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)

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A 13-year-old bottlenose dolphin at a Japanese aquarium developed a stomach infection caused by Prototheca bovis, a type of alga rarely found in marine animals. The dolphin initially received treatment with itraconazole for a suspected fungal infection, but this was ineffective. When doctors identified the actual culprit as P. bovis through genetic testing, they switched to fos-ravuconazole, which successfully resolved the infection and returned the dolphin to good health.

Research Topic: Veterinary mycology