Fungal rhinitis and sinusitis in three cats

Abstract

Localized infection of the nasal or paranasal cavities caused by Aspergillus spp or Penicillium spp was diagnosed in 3 cats. Clinical signs included chronic mucopurulent nasal discharge, epistaxis, and mandibular lymphadenopathy. Rhinoscopic and diagnostic imaging findings were compatible with severe inflammation of the nasal mucosa and destruction of the turbinates. Fungal plaques were observed rhinoscopically in 2 cats, and histologic examination of biopsy specimens revealed fungal colonies with surrounding inflammatory infiltrates in all 3. Results of fungal culture were negative for all 3 cats. Results of serum immunoelectrophoresis for antibodies against Aspergillus spp were positive in 2 cats. Treatment with itraconazole was effective in controlling clinical signs in 1 cat, but hepatotoxicosis developed. A single intranasal infusion of clotrimazole subsequently led to long-term resolution of clinical signs in this cat. Localized aspergillosis-penicilliosis is clinically indistinguishable from other pathologic conditions of the nasal and paranasal cavities in cats and should be considered when examining cats with chronic nasal discharge.

Detection of Aspergillus-specific antibodies by agar gel double immunodiffusion and IgG ELISA in feline upper respiratory tract aspergillosis

“…To further our understanding of the immunopathogenesis of this disease, additional studies of the humoral response to URTA, including quantification of IgM and IgA in affected cats, are warranted. Our finding that purebred cats of brachycephalic conformation were significantly more likely to develop URTA confirms a predisposition which, until now, has only been suspected (Tomsa et al, 2003;Whitney et al, 2005;Barrs et al, 2012). Impaired sinus aeration and drainage associated with brachycephalic skull conformation that favours fungal colonisation have been proposed as a mechanism for this breed association (Tomsa et al, 2003).…”

A case series of unilateral orbital aspergillosis in three cats and treatment with voriconazole

“…Although reported as a rare condition in cats, sino‐orbital aspergillosis is increasingly described in the published reports suggesting this may be an emerging disease 1–9 . Invasive mycotic infections in humans, as well as animals, can occur as either disseminated or localized forms.…”

Evaluation of Serum Aspergillus‐Specific Immunoglobulin A by Indirect ELISA for Diagnosis of Feline Upper Respiratory Tract Aspergillosis

“…This results in narrowing of the nasal cavity and airways as well as deformation and displacement of the ethmoid and ventral nasal conchae . These anatomic abnormalities may result in increased mucosal edema, decreased turbinate airflow, and decreased mucociliary clearance of nasal secretions and have been suggested as possible factors increasing the risk of mycotic infection . However, because in dogs with SNA, dolichocephalic and mesaticephalic breeds are more commonly affected, anatomic abnormalities alone are unlikely to be responsible for the increased risk of disease in brachycephalic cats.…”

“…However, because in dogs with SNA, dolichocephalic and mesaticephalic breeds are more commonly affected, anatomic abnormalities alone are unlikely to be responsible for the increased risk of disease in brachycephalic cats. Other factors that have been proposed to increase the risk of sino‐nasal mycotic colonization include previous viral upper respiratory tract infection, chronic rhinosinusitis, and the use of antibiotics …”