Difference between revisions of "Candidiasis"

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*Caused by [[Candida spp.|''Candida'' spp.]]
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{{OpenPagesTop}}
*Noramlly present on skin and in [[Alimentary - Anatomy & Physiology|GI tract]]
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==Introduction==
*Immunocompromised animals may show symptoms
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[[File:C albicans germ tubes.jpg|200px|right|thumb|''Candida'' spp]]
*Usually lesions on mucous membranes and at mucocutaneous junctions
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Candidiasis is a '''fungal infection''' caused by [[Candida spp.|''Candida'' spp.]],  most commonly '''''Candida ablicans''''' that affects many species.
*Grossly:
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**Exudative, papular, pustular to ulcerative dermatitis
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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.
**Stomatitis and otitis externa may develop
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*Microscopically:
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==Clinical Signs==
**Spongiotic neutrophilic pustular inflammation
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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'''.
**Parakeratosis
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**Ulcerations
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Gross clinical signs include:
**Superficial exudate containing organisms
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* '''Exudative''', '''papular''', '''pustular''' to '''ulcerative dermatitis'''
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* '''Raised''', '''circular white plaques''' or '''ulcers''' with overlying '''scabs'''
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* '''Keratinous thickening''' of tissue
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* [[Stomatitis|'''Stomatitis''']] and [[Otitis Externa - Cat and Dog|'''otitis externa''']]
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Microscopically there is evidence of:
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*Spongiotic neutrophilic pustular [[Inflammation|'''inflammation''']]
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*'''Parakeratosis'''
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*'''Ulcerations'''
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*Superficial [[Exudate|'''exudate''']] containing organisms
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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.
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==Predisposing factors==
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* Immunosuppressive drugs
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* Immunosuppressive disease
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* Indwelling urinary or intravenous catheters
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* Antibiotic administration
 +
 
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==Diagnosis==
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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==
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'''Topical''' or '''systemic anti-fungals''' are used to treat the infection.
 +
 
 +
==Prognosis==
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Prognosis depends on both the severity of infection and the animal affected.
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<big><b>
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Also see:
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:[[Candidiasis - Birds|Candidiasis in Birds]]
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:[[Candidiasis – Rabbit|Candidiasis in Rabbits]]
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</b></big>
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==References==
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 +
Merck & Co (2009) '''The Merck Veterinary Manual''' (Ninth Edition), ''Merial''
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{{review}}
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{{OpenPages}}
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[[Category:Cutaneous Mycoses]]
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[[Category:Expert Review]]

Latest revision as of 17:05, 30 December 2014


Introduction

Candida spp

Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by Candida spp., most commonly Candida ablicans that affects many species.

The yeast is normally present on skin and in the 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 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 and otitis externa

Microscopically there is evidence of:

  • Spongiotic neutrophilic pustular inflammation
  • Parakeratosis
  • Ulcerations
  • Superficial 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, arthritis, 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.

Also see:

Candidiasis in Birds
Candidiasis in Rabbits

References

Merck & Co (2009) The Merck Veterinary Manual (Ninth Edition), Merial




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