12
edits
Changes
mLine 1:
Line 1: − *Caused by [[Candida spp.|''Candida'' spp.]]+ − *Noramlly present on skin and in [[Alimentary System Overview - Anatomy & Physiology|GI tract]]+ − *Immunocompromised animals may show symptoms+ − *Usually lesions on mucous membranes and at mucocutaneous junctions+ − *Grossly: − **Exudative, papular, pustular to ulcerative dermatitis − **Stomatitis and otitis externa may develop − *Microscopically: − **Spongiotic neutrophilic pustular inflammation − **Parakeratosis − **Ulcerations − **Superficial exudate containing organisms + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + − + − [[Category:To Do - Manson]]
→Clinical Signs
{{OpenPagesTop}}
==Introduction==
[[File:C albicans germ tubes.jpg|200px|right|thumb|''Candida'' spp]]
Candidiasis is a '''fungal infection''' caused by [[Candida spp.|''Candida'' spp.]], most commonly '''''Candida ablicans''''' that affects many species.
The yeast is normally present on '''skin''' and in the [[Alimentary System Overview - Anatomy & Physiology|GI tract]]. Symptoms of disease are usually only seen in '''immunocompromised''' animals following '''opportunistic''' infection. It is most common in the bird (see [[Candidiasis - Birds]]) but has also been reported in [[Candidiasis – Rabbit|rabbits]], horses, pigs, cows, sheep, cats and dogs - in particular neonates.
==Clinical Signs==
Lesions are found on '''mucous membranes''' and at '''mucocutaneous junctions''' most commonly. The disease will usually remain '''localised''' to the mucocutaneous junctions, but on rare occasions it may spread '''systemically'''.
Gross clinical signs include:
* '''Exudative''', '''papular''', '''pustular''' to '''ulcerative dermatitis'''
* '''Raised''', '''circular white plaques''' or '''ulcers''' with overlying '''scabs'''
* '''Keratinous thickening''' of tissue
* [[Stomatitis|'''Stomatitis''']] and [[Otitis Externa - Cat and Dog|'''otitis externa''']]
Microscopically there is evidence of:
*Spongiotic neutrophilic pustular [[Inflammation|'''inflammation''']]
*'''Parakeratosis'''
*'''Ulcerations'''
*Superficial [[Exudate|'''exudate''']] containing organisms
Infection may also cause a variety of '''other clinical signs''' depending on the '''species''' and the '''site of infection''', for example [[Mastitis|mastitis]], [[Arthritis|arthritis]], [[Diarrhoea|diarrhoea]] and general malaise.
==Predisposing factors==
* Immunosuppressive drugs
* Immunosuppressive disease
* Indwelling urinary or intravenous catheters
* Antibiotic administration
==Diagnosis==
Diagnosis can be confirmed via '''microscopic examination''' and '''identification of the fungus''' following a '''skin scrape''' of the lesion. The fungus should be visible after staining with a Gram, Methylene Blue or Wrights stain. It is a '''gram-positive ovoid''', '''budding yeast''' with or without '''hyphae'''. '''Culture''' of a sample in Sabourauds Dextrose agar or Blood agar should also confirm diagnosis.
==Treatment==
'''Topical''' or '''systemic anti-fungals''' are used to treat the infection.
==Prognosis==
Prognosis depends on both the severity of infection and the animal affected.
<big><b>
Also see:
:[[Candidiasis - Birds|Candidiasis in Birds]]
:[[Candidiasis – Rabbit|Candidiasis in Rabbits]]
</b></big>
==References==
Merck & Co (2009) '''The Merck Veterinary Manual''' (Ninth Edition), ''Merial''
{{review}}
{{OpenPages}}
[[Category:Cutaneous Mycoses]]
[[Category:Cutaneous Mycoses]]
[[Category:To Do - Fungi]]
[[Category:Expert Review]]