Candida spp

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Histopathology of Candida esophagitis. Methenamine silver stain (digitally colorized).
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Histopathology of Candida esophagitis. Methenamine silver stain (digitally colorized).

Candida spp are a rare cause of fungal disease in cats.

Members of the genus Candida are saprophytic, dimorphic fungi in the family Cryptococcaceae. In the yeast phase, Candida spp normally inhabit the alimentary, upper respiratory and genital mucosae of mammals. Candida spp are first acquired by neonates as they pass through the birth canal, colonize the oral, gastrointestinal, upper respiratory and genital mucosae for the life of the animals. Their presence normally evokes no reaction. Under certain circumstances, Candida spp can invade deeper host tissues and proliferate as blastoconidia, pseudohyphae and branched, septate hyphae. In other instances, they can disseminate via the bloodstream to many tissues[1].

Pathogenic factors of Candida spp are important in determining their relative virulence in the host[2]. Candida albicans can invade the columnar epithelium of the intestines. The yeast form of C. albicans colonizes epithelia, while hyphae are the more invasive form and are found within deeper tissue invasion[3].

Local proliferation of Candida spp on mucosal surfaces is the first step in the spread of infection. Overgrowth of Candida species within the gastrointestinal tract is inhibited by mucosal microflora. Factors that upset the balance of normal endogenous microflora may cause Candida organisms to proliferate[4]. Intestinal candidiasis may be sequelae to parvoviral infections or alterations in microflora caused by systemic antibiotic therapy. Mycotic ileitis and colitis in cats have been reported as a secondary complication of infection with feline panleukopenia virus. Localized candidiasis has been reported to occur in chronically immunosuppressed cats and in those with nonhealing ulcers of the gastrointestinal tract. However, in one study retroviral status (feline leukemia virus, FeLV and feline immunodeficiency virus, FIV) did not influence the ability to isolate C. albicans from feline cutaneous and mucosal samples[5].

The lower urinary tract is the most common site for feline andida spp infection[6]. A recent history of antibiotic use and concurrent Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) has been reported in some patients. Clinical signs of urinary candidiasis include dysuria, stranguria and haematuria. Candida urocystitis may resolve spontaneously if underlying condition is corrected. However, specific anti-fngal treatment is recommended to reduce the risk of systemic invasion. Oral fluconazole is effective in clearing candiduria in many patients. A combination of tubrinafine and fluconazole is synergistic and has been effective in the treatment of Candida spp resistant to fluconazole alone[7].


A severe case of Candida spp infection has been diagnosed in a Siamese cat, with focally extensive, necrotizing, pyogranulomatous typhlitis [8], with a history of chronic vomiting and weight loss, which was later euthanased[9][10].

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References

  1. ↑ Brown CC, Baker DC, Barker IK (2007) Alimentary system. In: Pathology of Domestic Animals, ed. Maxie MG, 5th ed., vol. 2, p. 230. Saunders Elsevier, London, UK
  2. ↑ Greene CE and Chandler FW (2006) Candidiasis and Rhodotorulosis. In: Infectious Diseases of the Dog and Cat, ed. Greene CE, 3rd ed., pp. 627- 632. Saunders Elsevier, London, UK
  3. ↑ Gelberg HB (2007) Alimentary system. In: Pathological Basis of Veterinary Disease, eds. McGavin MD, Zachary JF, 4th ed., pp. 378-380. Mosby, St. Louis, MO
  4. ↑ Sierra P, Guillot J, Jacob H, Bussieras S, Chermette R (2000) Fungal flora on cutaneous and mucosa surfaces of cats infected with feline immunodeficiency virus or feline leukemia virus. American Journal of Veterinary Research 61:158-161
  5. ↑ Ochiai K, Valentine B and Altschul M (2000) Intestinal candidiasis in a dog. Vet Rec 146:228-229
  6. ↑ August, JR (2006). Consultation in feline internal medicine. Vol 5. Eslevier Saunders
  7. ↑ Rochette, F Englen, M & van den Bossche, H (2003) Antifungal agents of use in animal health-practical applications. J Vet Pharmacol Therap 26:31-53
  8. ↑ AFIP.org
  9. ↑ Lorenzini R and De Bernardis F (1986) Antemortem diagnosis of an apparent case of feline candidiasis. Mycopathologia 93:13-14, 1986
  10. ↑ Kipar A, Kremendahl J, Jackson ML, Reinacher M (2001) Comparative examination of cats with feline leukemia virus-associated enteritis and other relevant forms of enteritis. Vet Pathol 38:359-371
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