The value of the determination of anti-Aspergillus IgG in the serodiagnosis of canine aspergillosis: comparison with galactomannan detection.

Diagnosis of canine aspergillosis is difficult using currently available methods. It often passes unnoticed or is diagnosed in the later phases of the disease. We developed an ELISA technique to detect anti-Aspergillus antibodies in canine serum using an Aspergillus antigenic mycelial extract, which could then be used for the diagnosis of canine aspergillosis. We used a cut-off of X + 3SD obtained from 20 control sera. The test was performed on 46 dogs with lesions indicating possible aspergillosis and gave nine positive results: one systemic mycosis, two discospondylitis, one uveitis, two bronchopulmonary processes and three rhinitis. We compared this methodology with the PLATELIA technique in the follow-up of the affected dogs, obtaining the same limitations as in the diagnosis of human aspergillosis. We consider our ELISA technique using sera samples a speedy, safe and reliable method which enables us to follow up the evolution of the disease and the efficacy of the therapy chosen. A definitive diagnosis must still take into account the results of other tests such as clinical examination, radiographic studies, endoscopy and biopsy.

Mycotic pulmonary disease by Beauveria bassiana in a captive tortoise.

A case of fatal pulmonary infection in a female tortoise (Tachemys scripta) imported into Spain from Cuba is reported. Necropsy revealed general pulmonary congestion with pleuritis and a large number of yellowish nodules of the granulomatous type, similar to aspergillomata. Histological examination showed some infiltration of round cells, surrounding a small mass of fungal hyphae. Culturing on Sabouraud glucose agar, demonstrated the presence of a fungus whose macroscopic and microscopic characteristics corresponded to those of Beauveria bassiana.

An outbreak of dermatophytosis in pigs caused by Microsporum canis.

An outbreak of dermatophytosis caused by Microsporum canis in a porcine farm is described. The morbidity was 100% among sows, 95% among new-borns and 75% among feedlot animals. Microsporum canis was also isolated from walls and environmental air.

Feline sporotrichosis: a case report.

The isolation of Sporothrix schenckii from a female European cat it is described. The cat showed lengthened alopecic areas, with prominent nodules in the external surface of the thighs and abdomen. A mycological and histopathological studies of the lesions were carried out. The lesions resolved under treatment with 20% potassium iodide in doses of 0'1 ml/kg oral route in a 8 weeks period.

Dermatophytosis of pigs by Trichophyton mentagrophytes.

We describe the isolation of Trichophyton mentagrophytes in two family-operated farms where the animals were suffering skin ailments characterized by a swelling and a reddening of the back and flanks. This condition affected 2 and 5% respectively of the animals on the farms, the younger ones being more frequently affected.