Coccidioidomycosis-pearls from the annual cocci study group meeting

摘要

Coccidioidomycosis is a systemic mycosis that has been reported in many animals of veterinary interest including canine, feline, equine, ovine, porcine, bovine and non-human primate species. Cattle, sheep and swine apparently are able to limit systemic spread of the disease better than dogs and horses. Coccidioidomycosis has been diagnosed most commonly in young, medium to large breed male dogs. The disease is likely underreported in the cat. Coccidioidomycosis occurs in native species of animals.Coccidioidomycosis is called an endemic mycosis because of the persistent presence of Coccidioides immitis (in saprophytic phase as arthroconidia) in the soil and air of only certain restricted geographic areas, primarily in California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas (the lower Sonoran life zone), as well as some areas south of the border. Coccidioidomycosis is usually limited to animals living in or traveling through these endemic areas. Occasionally, local and even widespread epidemics occur resultingfrom increased airborne arthroconidia as a consequence of natural or man made events (earthquakes, dust storms, excavations).