Infectious Dx: Fungal Infections

Question 1

Where would you commonly suspect Blastomyces dermatitidis to be localized from?

Answer 1

The Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio river valleys and the Great Lakes

Question 2

How would you describe B. dermatitidis on cytology?

Answer 2

Thick walled yeast with broad based budding

Question 3

How can blastomycosis present in infected dogs and cats?

Answer 3

Dyspnea, increased bronchovesicular signs, weight loss, ocular manifestations, draining skin lesions/ dermal abscesses and CNS disease

Question 4

While fungal infections from B. dermatitidis are more commonly inhaled, resulting in infection, are they more likely to have localized or systemic presentations?

Answer 4

Either

Question 5

Radiographic lesions of B. dermatitidis often closely resemble what pathological process in dogs?

Answer 5

Osteosarcoma

Question 6

Histoplasma capsulatum is often localized to what area of the United States?

Answer 6

Ohio, Missouri, and Mississippi river valleys (similar to Blastomycosis)

Question 7

H.capsulatum is more often directly inhaled, but can also be ____________.

Answer 7

Ingested

Question 8

What is commonly seen in patients with Histoplasmosis, in regards to the targeted organs from systemic dissemination?

Answer 8

Hepatosplenomegaly

Question 9

While ____________ can be seen in patients with Blastomycosis (chemistry panel), what can be seen on the erythrogram of patients with Histoplasmosis?

Answer 9

Blastomycosis = Hypercalcemia

Histoplasmosis = Non-regenerative anemia, thrombocytopenia

Question 10

How would you describe Histoplasmosis on cytology?

Answer 10

Clustered, mononuclear with thin, clear haloes surrounding a basophilic cytoplasm

Question 11

Similar to Nocardia, Coccidiodes immitis is also a __________ that can be found in the southwestern US.

Answer 11

Saprophyte

Question 12

While systemic involvement can be seen with Coccioidioidomycosis, it primarily results in localized __________ infections.

Answer 12

Respiratory

Question 13

If dogs are more likely to get ______________ compared to cats, and both dogs and cats are equally likely to get _________________, are dogs or cats more likely to have Coccidioidomycosis?

Answer 13

Blastomycosis -> dogs > cats
Histoplasmosis -> dogs = cats
Coccidioidomycosis -> dogs > cats

Question 14

What bloodwork abnormalities can be expected on patients with Coccidioidomycosis?

Answer 14

• Normocytic, normochromic, nonregenerative anemia
• Neutrophilia with a left shift
• Monocytosis
• Hypoalbuminemia
• Hyperglobulinemia
• Hepatic enzymatic elevations
• Azotemia

Question 15

While Crytpococcosis occurs more frequently in cats, dogs are often associated with a more ________ prognosis.

Answer 15

Guarded

Question 16

Common presentations of Cryptococcal infections in cats include -?

Answer 16

Nasal or facial deformity, mass protruding from nares, nasal discharge, skin lesions, sneezing, respiratory noise, or a change in voice

Question 17

Histopathologically, how does Cryptococcus spp. differentiate from Blastomyces or Coccidioides infections?

Answer 17

Cryptococcus has a larger, thicker capsule and buds with a lack of endospores

Question 18

What are some common supportive therapeutic treatments that can be included in care for patients within fungal infections?

Answer 18

Supplemental oxygen therapy, antibiotics if there is suspected secondary infections, anti-inflammatory glucocorticoids, total or parenteral nutritional support, NSAID’s, glaucoma therapy (topical glucocorticoids, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors), and appropriate wound management