Bronchoscopic and Serologic Diagnosis of Aspergillus fumigatus Pulmonary Infection in a Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1998
Authors:Reidarson, TH, Harrell, JH, Rinaldi, MG, McBain, J
Journal:Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine
Volume:29
Date Published:1998
ISBN Number:10427260
Keywords:Tursiops truncatus
Abstract:

A 4-yr-old male bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) developed an Aspergillus fumigatus pneumonia. Fungal elements were identified by cytology and microbiology from endoscopic bronchoalveolar lavage and brushings of a raised yellow endobronchial lesion. The results of qualitative immunodiffusion serology, a technique that identifies specific circulating antibodies to Aspergillus fumigatus, were suggestive of an active infection. The dolphin was treated with itraconazole for over 2 yr, which resulted in remission of clinical signs. Pneumonia caused by Aspergillus sp. accounts for the large majority of pulmonary mycoses in marine mammals. Bronchoscopy facilitated an early definitive diagnosis, accurate treatment, and remission.

URL:http://www.jstor.org/stable/20095799
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Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith