Candidiasis Overview Quiz

Study Notes

Candidiasis

Caused by the yeast-like fungus Candida, predominantly Candida albicans.
Acts as an opportunistic pathogen, normally found in the nasopharynx, gastrointestinal tract, and external genitalia of various species.
Risk factors include mucosal disruption, presence of catheters, antibiotic use, and immunosuppression.

Species Affected

Birds: Frequently affected, particularly involving oral mucosa, esophagus, and crop.
Pigs and Foals: Experiencing superficial infections in intestinal mucous membranes.
Cattle, Calves, and Sheep: Susceptible to systemic candidiasis, especially post prolonged antibiotic or corticosteroid therapy.
Cats: Rarely affected but can have oral, respiratory, ocular, and urinary tract infections.
Dogs: Rare instances of candidiasis; can lead to arthritis, mastitis, abortion, and severe cases of fungemia or peritonitis.

Clinical Signs

Symptoms often nonspecific and linked to underlying conditions rather than candidiasis itself.
Common signs include diarrhea, anorexia, dehydration, listlessness, and reduced growth.

Lesions

Characterized by white, raised masses on skin and mucosae.
Keratinous thickening of mucosa, notably in the tongue, esophagus, and rumen.
In birds, lesions may appear as circular ulcers with pseudomembranes in the crop and esophagus.

Diagnosis

Identification through scrapings or biopsy specimens, revealing C. albicans as ovoid, budding yeast cells or pseudohyphae in epithelial tissue.

Treatment

Topical options include nystatin ointment, amphotericin B, and iodine solution.
Systemic infections may necessitate intravenous amphotericin B or oral antifungals like fluconazole and itraconazole; treatment duration varies by severity and species.

Coccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever)

A noncontagious fungal infection caused by Coccidioides immitis, prevalent in arid southwestern regions of the USA, Mexico, Central, and South America.
Primarily transmitted via inhalation of fungal spores carried by dust; exacerbated by droughts and dust storms post-rainy seasons.
Dogs are the most significantly impacted species.

Clinical Signs

Symptoms vary widely; can be asymptomatic in species like cattle, sheep, pigs, dogs, and cats, to severe, life-threatening cases particularly in dogs and nonhuman primates.
Respiratory symptoms include chronic cough, anorexia, weight loss, lameness, enlarged joints, fever, and intermittent diarrhea in dogs.
In cats, C. immitis may lead to skin lesions, subcutaneous granulomas, and abscesses, with respiratory and other systemic symptoms being less common.

Lesions

Lesions can form in the lungs, mediastinum, and thoracic lymph nodes, or disseminate to other organs.
Appear as discrete nodules with gray-white cut surfaces, resembling tuberculosis; pyogranulomas contain epithelioid and giant cells, possibly with purulent exudate and fungal organisms.

Diagnosis

Consideration of coccidioidomycosis in animals with chronic bronchopulmonary disease, pulmonary nodules, or lymphadenopathy observed via thoracic radiographs is essential in endemic regions.

Description

Test your knowledge about candidiasis, a disease caused by the Candida fungus, particularly Candida albicans. This quiz covers its prevalence in various animals, risk factors, and symptoms. Discover how this opportunistic fungus affects different species.