Invasive Fungal Infections and Oomycoses in Cats: 1. Diagnostic approach

Vanessa R. Barrs* (Co-first Author), Pawel Marek Bęczkowski (Co-first Author), Jessica J. Talbot, Stefan Hobi, Shu Ning Teoh, Daniela Hernandez Muguiro, Lisa F Shubitz, Jeanine Sandy

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

7 Citations (Scopus)
41 Downloads (CityUHK Scholars)

Abstract

Clinical relevance:
In contrast to superficial fungal infections, such as dermatophytosis, invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are characterised by penetration of tissues by fungal elements. Disease can spread locally within a region or can disseminate haematogenously or via the lymphatics. The environment is the most common reservoir of infection. Since fungal spores are airborne, indoor cats are also susceptible to IFIs. Some environmental fungi are ubiquitous and present globally, while others are endemic or hyperendemic within specific geographic regions. Zoonotic pathogens include Microsporum canis, Sporothrix schenckii and Sporothrix brasiliensis.
Aim:
In the first of a two-part article series, the approach to the investigation of feline IFIs and oomycoses is reviewed. As well as tips for diagnosis, and information on the ecological niche and distribution of fungal pathogens, the review covers clinical presentation of the most common IFIs, including cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis, blastomycosis, coccidioidomycosis, sporotrichosis, phaeohyphomycosis, aspergillosis and dermatophytic pseudomycetoma, as well as the oomycoses pythiosis, lagenidiosis and paralagenidiosis. In Part 2, the spectrum of activity, mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties and adverse effects of antifungal drugs are reviewed, and the treatment and prognosis for specific IFIs and oomycoses are discussed.
Evidence base:
The review draws on published evidence and the authors' combined expertise in feline medicine, mycology, dermatology, clinical pathology and anatomical pathology.
© The Author(s) 2024
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1-22
Number of pages22
JournalJournal of Feline Medicine and Surgery
Volume26
Issue number1
Online published8 Jan 2024
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2024

Research Keywords

  • Dimorphic fungal infections
  • phaeohyphomycosis
  • aspergillosis
  • dermatophytic pseudomycetoma
  • pythiosis
  • lagenidiosis

Publisher's Copyright Statement

  • This full text is made available under CC-BY-NC 4.0. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/

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