Systemic coccidioidomycosis in a llama cria native to Missouri

Abstract

A 3-mo-old male llama was examined because of a 4-wk history of lethargy and ill thrift. Clinical examination revealed subcutaneous masses in the left prescapular and right inguinal regions, mild ataxia, a slight head tilt to the right, and right ear droop. The cria died before clinical workup was complete. At autopsy, there was generalized lymphadenomegaly, a hepatic nodule, a midbrain mass causing rostral compression of the cerebellum, and internal hydrocephalus. Microscopic findings included pyogranulomatous lymphadenitis, meningoencephalitis, hepatitis, and bronchopneumonia. Intralesional fungal spherules, most consistent with Coccidioides spp., were identified in the lymph nodes, lung, and brain. Fungal culture, single-nucleotide variation genotyping real-time PCR, and DNA sequencing confirmed Coccidioides posadasii. The dam of the cria was native to Arizona and had been moved to Missouri ~2.5 y previously. Agar gel immunodiffusion assay of the herd revealed that only the dam was positive for Coccidioides spp.; 6 herdmates were negative. Computed tomography of the dam revealed multiple nodules within the lungs and liver, which were presumed to be an active coccidioidomycosis infection. This case of systemic coccidioidomycosis in a llama native to Missouri was presumably acquired by vertical transmission from the dam.

A preliminary study of the plasma concentrations of orally administered fluconazole in alpacas (Vicugna pacos)

“…In cattle, the disease is asymptomatic but can be an occasional cause of partial carcass condemnation (Maddy, 1954; Prchal, 1948), and skin test positivity was reported to be high in regions where the disease is endemic in Arizona (Maddy et al, 1960). There are no studies about treatment of coccidioidomycosis in SAC and death as an outcome is the primary information available (Coster et al, 2010; Diab et al, 2013; Fowler et al, 1992; Havis et al, 2021; Muir & Pappagianis, 1982). A very small owner‐based survey suggests that some alpacas with coccidioidomycosis appeared to improve with fluconazole treatment (dosages and treatment regimens not reported) (Butkiewicz & Shubitz, 2019).…”