Chapter 211 - Disseminated Invasive Aspergillosis and Systemic Mold Infections

Question 1

You suspect disseminated aspergillosis in a 7yo FN GSD with discospondylitis, which of the following tests would be most sensitive to perform?
a. Urine culture
b. Serum galactomannan
c. Urine galactomannan
d. Antibody serology

Answer 1

a. Urine culture

urine culture is positive in 50% of cases, serology does not identify A. terreus/deflectus

Question 2

When treating a cat with sinonasal aspergillosis, a nasal biopsy and histopathology would be beneficial for what reason?
a. Determine if concurrent chronic rhinitis is present and treatment with steroids is required
b. Exclude secondary bacterial infection
c. Determine if systemic antifungal therapy is required
d. Assess for expression of CD4+ lymphocytes, which have been associated with a reduced prognosis

Answer 2

c. Determine if systemic antifungal therapy is required

Invasive species e.g. A. felis require systemic treatment

Question 3

Which of the following has been associated with improved survival times in dogs treated for systemic aspergillosis?
a. Small breed dogs
b. Older age
c. History of immunosuppressive drugs
d. A qPCR Ct of <33

Answer 3

c. History of immunosuppressive drugs