Published in Scientific Works. Series C. Veterinary Medicine, Vol. LXIII, Issue 2
Written by Carmen NEGOIŢĂ, Valentina NEGOIŢĂ
Phaeohyphomycoses are recognized as opportunistic fungal infections caused by several genera of melanin-pigmented moulds (dematiaceous fungi) which are ubiquitous saprophytic agents found in soil, water and decaying vegetable matter. These infections are usually acquired by direct traumatic implantation of fungal elements into tissues or by contamination of open wounds, being invariably associated with an immunosuppressive or debilitated status. Phaeohyphomycoses are rarely reported in dogs, most appearing as focal or multifocal subcutaneous intact or ulcerated/fistulized nodules or plaques usually found in the facial area, the distal part of extremities or the tail, without any systemic signs. According to the literature data, Alternaria spp. were identified on the coat from 20-80% of healthy dogs and cats without any skin lesions. In this paper, we have reported a case of cutaneous phaeohyphomycosis with Alternaria spp. in a 3-year-old unspayed male Cane corso dog with chronic skin lesions, not responding to antibiotherapy. The diagnosis of fungal infection was based on cytology, fungal culture and clinical response to long term oral administration of itraconazole. In our opinion, the infection likely occurred by direct implantation into defective hairs as well as by contamination of ruptured follicular cysts with Alternaria spp.originated from skin colonization and the outdoor habitat. We also considered the inherited follicular dysplasia (color dilution alopecia) to be a promoting factor in acquisition of this opportunistic fungal infection. Finally, complete resolution of lesions under itraconazole therapy and lack of reccurence for 14 months were decisive features for diagnosis.
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