In utero infection of a calf by Saksenaea erythrospora resulting in neonatal abomasitis and dermatitis

Abstract

Saksenaea erythrospora is a filamentous fungus belonging to the order Mucorales. Cases of cutaneous mucormycosis caused by Saksenaea spp. have previously been reported in immunocompetent and immunosuppressed people. A premature, 1-day-old bull calf from Texas with numerous plaque-like and ulcerative lesions in the skin was found at necropsy to have multiple areas of mycotic dermatitis and abomasitis. Fungal culture of the skin followed by morphological characterization and genetic analysis identified the etiologic agent as S. erythrospora.

Mucormicosys due to Saksenaea vasiformis in a dog

“…However, all the reported cases in the veterinary literature (including the present one) had their lesions in the skin and soft tissue, and developed a disseminated infection [12], [13], [14], [18].…”

“…Human cases of mucormycosis showed that the common sites of infection are the lungs (44.6%), followed by the sinuses (29.7%), and in third position the skin and soft tissue (20.3%) [18] . However, all the reported cases in the veterinary literature (including the present one) had their lesions in the skin and soft tissue, and developed a disseminated infection [12] , [13] , [14] , [18] .…”

“…In addition, S. vasiformis complex contributed only in 5% of the cases [18] . Considering these figures and the cases of mucormycosis reported in the veterinary literature, reports of infections in animals due to S. vasiformis species complex are scarce [6] , [12] , [13] , [14] . The question is if infections due to S. vasiformis are certainly uncommon, or if the lack of sporulation on a variety of common media such as SDA, PDA, water agar [19] or Lactrimel, may negatively contribute in the correct identification of this fungus.…”

“…The animal was 1 month premature and presented weakness, inability to ambulate, and the presence of multiple, circular, plaque-like skin lesions on the neck and front legs. Even though medical care was carried out, the calf died during the second day of hospitalization [14] . The purpose of the present case report is to provide the first clinical and mycological description of a mucormycosis due to S. vasiformis in a dog living in Argentina.…”

Saksenaea erythrospora infection following a serious sailing accident

“…In this case the patient became infected as a consequence of a combat trauma. Lawhon et al (2012) described a veterinary case in a premature bull calf.…”