Sonographic findings in an alpaca with Mycobacterium kansasii infection

Abstract

This case report describes the clinical, ultrasonographic and postmortem findings in an alpaca with Mycobacterium kansasii infection. The alpaca was referred because of chronic weight loss and weakness. The results of clinical examination, haematology and serum biochemistry were not diagnostic. Ultrasonography of the liver revealed multiple, hyperechogenic lesions with a diameter of 1 to 3 cm. Histological evaluation of a liver biopsy sample showed acute, multifocal, suppurative, necrotising hepatitis. Despite treatment with antibiotics, the alpaca died. Postmortem examination revealed nodular to coalescing lesions in the liver, lungs, mediastinum, pleura and greater omentum, which could not be differentiated macroscopically or histologically from lesions caused by tuberculosis. Ziehl-Neelsen staining showed massive numbers of rods within epithelioid macrophages, which were identified as Mycobacterium kansasii by polymerase chain reaction analysis.

Mycobacterium ulcerans infection in two alpacas

“…More recently, there has been a move towards more conservative surgical management in humans because M. ulcerans has a relatively predictable antibiogram. avium, 34 M. bovis, 35 M. microti 36,37 and M. kansasii; 38,39 however, no reports of treatment of these infections (from which treatment of M. ulcerans infection could be extrapolated) have been recorded. 33 A recent case series of dogs with M. ulcerans infection confirmed that the combination of rifampicin and a fluoroquinolone (with or without surgical debridement) was effective in curing the disease within 8-10 weeks in most cases.…”

“…paratuberculosis (Johne's disease), 26 M. avium subsp. avium, 34 M. bovis, 35 M. microti 36,37 and M. kansasii; 38,39 however, no reports of treatment of these infections (from which treatment of M. ulcerans infection could be extrapolated) have been recorded. Likewise, there is a paucity of information about the treatment of mycobacterial infections in dromedaries.…”

Infection of a Free-Living Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) with a Bacterium from the Mycobacterium kansasii Complex

“…A 1-year-old female domestic shorthair cat presented with anorexia, depression, and weight loss, accompanied by multifocal nodules affecting the face and occasional ulceration affecting the ears, periocular areas, and nasal planum [37]. Infection with obvious clinical signs and coinciding lymphadenitis or lung lesions have been reported in rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta), cattle (Bos taurus), llamas (Lama glama), alpacas (Vicugna pacos), goats (Capra hircus), camels (Camelus), and domestic pigs (Sus scrofa f. domestica) [33,38]. The extensiveness of the range of animal species susceptible to infection with MKC poses a high risk of uncontrolled transmission of the pathogen in the environment, as is often the case with M. bovis [39].…”

Mastitis caused byMycobacterium kansasiiinfection in a dog

“…It is considered an important pathogen causing pulmonary and cutaneous disease in people . Although there have been some reports in wild animals with disseminated M kansasii infection, there was only one report of a dog . This organism is usually not transmitted between individuals .…”