Coccidiomycosis (Systemic Mycoses) Flashcards
1
Q
What agent causes coccidiomycosis?
A
Dimorphic fungi Coccidioides immitis
2
Q
Where (geographically) is coccidiomycosis most commonly seen?
A
More likely to see this in our area
- California
- Arizona
- Border of Mexico
3
Q
In what kind of environment does coccidiomycosis thrive?
A
- Sandy, alkaline soil
- Semiarid, high summer temperatures
4
Q
Which species most commonly gets infected by coccidiomycosis?
A
Mammalian infection
- Dogs > cats
5
Q
Who is the poster child for coccidiomycosis?
A
Young male dogs (large and medium-sized breeds)
6
Q
How is coccidiomycosis transmitted?
A
Inhalation > arthrospores to subpleural area > systemic dissemination
7
Q
What are the clinical signs in a patient with coccidiomycosis?
A
Most infections are subclinical
- Fever
- Weight loss
-
Pulmonary infection
- Soft cough from small airway disease (hacking cough from airway compression)
- Only 25% of cats have respiratory signs
- Disseminated disease
- Draining skin lesions
- Lameness (bone infections)
8
Q
How do you diagnose a dog with possible coccidiomycosis?
A
- First: cytology
-
Second: Agar Gel Immuno-Diffusion (AGID)
- Same principle as ELISA but takes advantage of the presence of multiple types of antibodies to regions (epitopes) of the antigen
9
Q
How do you treat a dog with coccidiomycosis?
A
- Antifungals in severe or disseminated disease
- Fluconazole, itraconazole
- Titers may help in assessing therapy
