[Systemic aspergilosis in a horse - case report]

ABSTRACT This paper reports the case of systemic aspergillosis on a Quarter Horse. The animal had progressive weight loss and alopecia. The parameters evaluated during the clinical examination were in agreement with the normal values for the species. The hemogram showed neutrophilic leukocytosis, without left-sided, elevated total plasma proteins and an increase in fibrinogen, indicating an inflammatory process accompanied by dehydration. Serum biochemical tests showed an increase in the value of urea. Despite the performed tests and established therapy with broad spectrum antibiotics and nutritional support, after 51 days of hospitalization the clinical condition evolved into cachexia and permanent decubitus of the patient which underwent to euthanasia and necropsy. From the findings of necropsy and histopathology, systemic infection was diagnosed by Aspergillus sp., affecting the lungs, liver, kidneys, parietal peritoneum and encephalon. Among the factors predisposing to the reported systemic fungal infection, the patient's weakened immune status is highlighted, possibly due to prolonged antibiotic and steroidal anti-inflammatory treatments. This paper reports the first case described of systemic aspergillosis in Brazil. Definitive diagnosis was only possible after necropsy and histopathology, since nonspecific clinical signs were not determinant for the diagnosis in life.

摘要 本报告记述了1例发生于夸特马（Quarter Horse）的全身性曲霉病（systemic aspergillosis）病例。该患马表现为进行性体重下降与脱毛症。临床检查所测得的各项参数均符合该物种的正常参考范围。血常规（hemogram）结果显示存在中性粒细胞性白细胞增多症且无中性粒细胞核左移，血浆总蛋白水平升高，纤维蛋白原（fibrinogen）含量增加，提示存在伴随脱水的炎症反应。血清生化检测显示尿素水平升高。尽管已开展相关检测并实施了广谱抗生素与营养支持治疗，但患马在住院51天后病情进展为恶病质与永久性褥疮，最终实施安乐死并进行尸检（necropsy）。根据尸检与组织病理学结果，确诊为曲霉属（Aspergillus sp.）全身性感染，受累器官包括肺脏、肝脏、肾脏、壁腹膜与脑组织。在该例全身性真菌感染的易感因素中，患马的免疫功能低下最为突出，这可能与长期使用抗生素及类固醇类抗炎治疗有关。本报告为巴西境内首次报道的全身性曲霉病病例。由于生前临床症状均无特异性，无法作为确诊依据，因此仅能通过尸检与组织病理学检查获得最终确诊。