DM2 Pt4-3 Other fungal diseases

Question 1

What type of infection is aspergillosis?

Answer 1

Aspergillosis is a sporadic mycosis that typically affects the nasal cavity and sinuses.

Question 2

What are the two clinical forms of aspergillosis in cats?

Answer 2

The two forms are sinonasal aspergillosis and the more invasive sino-orbital aspergillosis.

Question 3

How does aspergillosis differ between dogs and cats?

Answer 3

Nasal aspergillosis is relatively common in dogs, but aspergillosis is rare in cats.

Question 4

What is the recommended treatment for aspergillosis in cats?

Answer 4

Treatment involves both local and systemic antifungal therapy.

Question 5

What is sporotrichosis, and how is it transmitted?

Answer 5

Sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous fungal infection transmitted through traumatic inoculation of fungal conidia from plants and soil.

Question 6

Which domestic species is most frequently infected with sporotrichosis?

Answer 6

Cats are the most frequently infected domestic species.

Question 7

What are the common clinical signs of sporotrichosis in cats?

Answer 7

Multiple ulcerated nodules and draining tracts in the skin, lymphadenopathy, respiratory signs, and systemic dissemination.

Question 8

How is sporotrichosis diagnosed?

Answer 8

Diagnosis is made through fungal detection by cytology or histology, with confirmation by culture.

Question 9

What is the treatment for sporotrichosis in cats?

Answer 9

Treatment consists of at least 2 months of systemic antifungal therapy, with itraconazole as the first-choice agent.

Question 10

What precautions should be taken to prevent zoonotic transmission of sporotrichosis?

Answer 10

Gloves should be worn when handling infected cats, and cats should be kept indoors in endemic areas to prevent infection.

Question 11

What are phaeohyphomycosis and hyalohyphomycosis?

Answer 11

They are rare opportunistic fungal infections acquired from the environment.

Question 12

What are the typical clinical signs of phaeohyphomycosis and hyalohyphomycosis in cats?

Answer 12

Single or multiple nodules or ulcerated plaques (which may be pigmented) in the skin, with possible dissemination or CNS involvement.

Question 13

How are phaeohyphomycosis and hyalohyphomycosis diagnosed?

Answer 13

Diagnosis is based on fungal detection by cytology or histology, with culture for definitive diagnosis.

Question 14

What is the recommended treatment for localized skin disease caused by these fungi?

Answer 14

Surgical excision followed by systemic antifungal therapy, with itraconazole as the first-choice agent.

Question 15

What is the prognosis for cats with multiple lesions or systemic/neurological involvement?

Answer 15

The prognosis is guarded to poor, and relapses after treatment are common.

Question 16

Is there a zoonotic risk associated with these infections?

Answer 16

No, there is no zoonotic risk from contact with infected cats.

Question 17

Where is blastomycosis commonly found?

Answer 17

Blastomycosis is mainly found in North America.

Question 18

Where is histoplasmosis endemic?

Answer 18

Histoplasmosis is endemic in the eastern US, Central and South America, and has been diagnosed in Japan and Europe.

Question 19

Where is coccidioidomycosis endemic?

Answer 19

Coccidioidomycosis is endemic in the southwestern US, Central and South America.

Question 20

How are these systemic fungal infections typically transmitted?

Answer 20

They are transmitted through inhalation of conidia or spores from the environment.

Question 21

What clinical signs are associated with these fungal infections in cats?

Answer 21

A combination of respiratory, skin, eye, CNS, and bone signs, along with lymphadenopathy and systemic signs.

Question 22

How are these fungal infections diagnosed?

Answer 22

Diagnosis is based on fungal detection by cytology or histology, with antibody detection supporting diagnosis in coccidioidomycosis.

Question 23

What is the recommended treatment for histoplasmosis and blastomycosis?

Answer 23

Prolonged systemic antifungal therapy, with itraconazole as the first-choice agent.

Question 24

Is there a zoonotic risk from these infections?

Answer 24

No, there is no zoonotic risk.

Question 25

What advice should be given to cat owners travelling to endemic areas?

Answer 25

Owners should be warned about the risk of these infections in endemic areas.