A case of coccidioidomycosis of a dog in Austria.

Introduction Coccidioides immitis is a dimorphic fungus endemic in arid climates of Northern and Southern America causing coccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever, Desert Fever or Desert Rheumatism) in man and several animal species, including dogs. After aerogenous infection by inhaling arthrospores they disperse along the bronchial tree into the alveoli where they are phagocytosed. The arthrospores experience structural changes into spherules, undergo endosporulation and release thousands of endospores in the surrounding tissue. Infection usually remains localized in the lungs and in the hilar lymph nodes, but sometimes the infection generalizes into bones, joints, lymph nodes and skin. Case report A cross-breed dog aged 4 years was referred to the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna with a history of persistent cough, fever and intermittent lameness of the right front limb. The dog was presented with history of repeated visits in California. The dog died during diagnostic work-up and the lung was sent to the Institute of Pathology for further examinations. Material and methods For pathohistologic diagnosis and representation of the fungi, HE (Haematoxylin and Eosin)-, GMS (Grocott's Methenamin Silver)-, PAS (Periodic Acid Schiff)-, and Gram-staining was performed on formaldehyde-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections of the lung. Species-specific characterization of the fungi was done by ISH (in situ hybridization) using oligonucleotid probes designed for identification of Coccidioides immitis and Blastocystis dermatitidis by HAYDEN et al. (2001). Results Pathohistologic diagnosis and ISH revealed a pyogranulomatous infection of the lungs caused by Coccidioides immitis, a member of sac fungi not endemic in Austria. Conclusion On account of the increasing mobility of owners and their dogs, foreign infectious agents may occur in Austria bringing into focus the importance of meaningful travelling anamnesis surveillance.