Chapter 209 - Blastomycosis and histoplasmosis

Question 1

What is the most common route of infection for blastomycosis?
a. Respiratory route
b. Faecal-oral route
c. Vector-borne
d. Direct contact with mucosal surfaces

Answer 1

A - Respiratory route

Question 2

Which biochemical abnormality is most commonly seen in blastomycosis?
a. Azotaemia
b. Panhypoproteinaemia
c. Hypercalcaemia
d. Hyperbilirubinaemia

Answer 2

c. Hypercalcaemia

Question 3

What is the most common finding on thoracic radiography in blastomycosis?
a. Pleural effusion
b. Pnemothorax and pneumomediastinum
c. Alveolar pattern
d. Interstitial pattern

Answer 3

d. Interstitial pattern

Question 4

What percentage of dogs with blastomycosis test positive on serology?
a. 85%
b. 65%
c. 50%
d. 25%

Answer 4

c. 50%

Question 5

What is the treatment of choice for blastomycosis in dogs with evidence of CNS involvement?
a. Itraconazole
b. Amphotericin B
c. Fluconazole
d. Ketoconazole

Answer 5

b. Amphotericin B

Question 6

What age group is most commonly affected in feline histoplasmosis?
a. 12-18 months
b. <4 months
c. 2-4 years
d. 7+ years

Answer 6

b. <4 months

Question 7

What is considered the treatment of choice in feline histoplasmosis?
a. Itraconazole
b. Amphotericin B
c. Fluconazole
d. Ketoconazole

Answer 7

a. Itraconazole

Question 8

What is the usual appearance of histoplasmosis organisms on cytology of affected tissue?
a. Pyogranulomatous inflammation, numerous small round to oval intracellular yeast cells characterised by a basophilic centre and a light halo
b. Pyogranulomatous or suppurative inflammation, often with thick walled yeasts that bud to form daughter cells from a broad base
c. Eosinophilic inflammation with broad, thin walled and occasionally septate hyphae
d. Circular dense organisms surrounded by large capsules, with minimal inflammatory response

Answer 8

a. Pyogranulomatous inflammation, numerous small round to oval intracellular yeast cells characterised by a basophilic centre and a light halo

Question 9

What is the most common haematological abnormality seen in dogs and cats with histoplasmosis?
a. Eosinophilia
b. Pancytopaenia
c. Normocytic normochromic anaemia
d. Lymphocytosis

Answer 9

c. Normocytic normochromic anaemia

Question 10

Which form of histoplasmosis has the best prognosis?
a. GI disease
b. Cutaneous signs
c. Pulmonary signs
d. Ocular signs

Answer 10

c. Pulmonary signs