Coccidioidomycosis in alpacas in the southwestern United States

An anonymous web-based survey of alpaca owners was used to learn more about the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of coccidioidomycosis in alpacas in the United States. Thirty-seven owners, with 1,117 alpacas, completed the survey. Over 4% of alpacas included in the study were diagnosed with coccidioidomycosis between 2005 and 2016 (5 post mortem, 46 clinically). Immunodiffusion titers ranged from 1:4 to >= 1:256 in sick animals. Alpacas residing in Arizona counties with a high incidence of human disease were 5.8 times more likely to contract coccidioidomycosis than animals residing in other areas of the state. Treatment was reported in 23 alpacas, and 78% of those animals died or were euthanized. Necropsy records from a veterinary diagnostic laboratory in Tucson, AZ were reviewed to estimate the severity of disease in this species. Nine cases identified for review died of disseminated coccidioidomycosis; the disease was extensive in most animals, with the lungs, lymph nodes, and liver the most frequently affected. Alpacas appear to be highly susceptible to severe illness as a result of infection by Coccidioides spp., frequently resulting in death. More research is needed to better understand the epidemiology, clinical signs, and treatment protocols for coccidioidomycosis in alpacas.12 month embargo; first published: 02 December 2018.This item from the UA Faculty Publications collection is made available by the University of Arizona with support from the University of Arizona Libraries. If you have questions, please contact us at [email protected]

Clinical features of cats diagnosed with coccidioidomycosis in Arizona, 2004 - 2018

Objectives: The goal of this study was to describe the clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment of coccidioidomycosis in cats residing in a region endemic for Coccidioides species. Methods: A retrospective review of records was performed at both primary and tertiary care veterinary practices in Tucson and Phoenix, AZ. Data collected included signalment, clinical signs, physical exam findings, diagnostic test results, treatment and outcome. Results: Fifty-one feline cases were identified from six different veterinary hospitals. Cats presented with clinical signs and laboratory abnormalities similar to what has been seen in dogs, including respiratory illness (20/51), neutrophilia (24/31), monocytosis (17/31), and hyperglobulinemia (16/30). However, cats at diagnosis were typically significantly ill, with 31/51 having disseminated infection, most commonly to the skin (n=22). Additionally, 43/44 cats that had serum antibody tests performed were positive, and median titer at diagnosis was 1:32 (range 1:4 – ≥1:256). Serum antibody titers reduced significantly (P ≤0.001) in cats that responded to treatment compared with cats that did not clinically improve. 40/46 cats that were treated with oral flucaonzole responded and did not require additional therapy. Fourteen cats developed recurrent disease and all but 1 had antifungal therapy successfully reinstituted. Conclusions and relevance: Coccidioidomycosis is a disease of concern for cats residing in the region endemic for Coccidoides spp. Disease is most often disseminated at the time of diagnosis, possibly due to delays in presentation for care and recognition of the infection. Suspicion of disease, serum chemistries, blood cell counts, presence of antibody, and imaging aid in diagnosis of coccidioidomycosis in cats. Serum antibody reduction during treatment frequently correlated with an adequate response to medication. Consideration of coccidioidomycosis as a cause of illness will lead to earlier diagnosis and potentially better treatment outcomes in cats.  This item from the UA Faculty Publications collection is made available by the University of Arizona with support from the University of Arizona Libraries. If you have questions, please contact us at [email protected]

The Public Health Impact of Coccidioidomycosis in Arizona and California

The numbers of reported cases of coccidioidomycosis in Arizona and California have risen dramatically over the past decade, with a 97.8% and 91.1% increase in incidence rates from 2001 to 2006 in the two states, respectively. Of those cases with reported race/ethnicity information, Black/African Americans in Arizona and Hispanics and African/Americans in California experienced a disproportionately higher frequency of disease compared to other racial/ethnic groups. Lack of early diagnosis continues to be a problem, particularly in suspect community-acquired pneumonia, underscoring the need for more rapid and sensitive tests. Similarly, the inability of currently available therapeutics to reduce the duration and morbidity of this disease underscores the need for improved therapeutics and a preventive vaccine

Coccidioides Lymph Node Histopathology

Histopathology of a murine lymph node, 9 days post infection with Coccidioides. Magnification 10XThis data is made available by the Valley Fever Center for Excellence and the University of Arizona Libraries. Questions or permission for re-use of content should be addressed to Lisa Shubitz, DVM at [email protected] or 520-626-8198