Update from VDS
Histoplasmosis is a disease which all of us heard about in the Small Animal Medicine courses in veterinary school. It was discussed as one of the systemic fungal diseases of interest that we might encounter in practice. It was presented as a disease seen in regions of the Ohio River and Mississippi River Valley drainages. It was known to have sporadic incidence, and as a fungal agent that can occasionally infect humans. We further learned that it presented as a granulomatous disease that can infect multiple organs and systems. Later, some of us actually did see the disease in a dog or cat. The more astute of us correctly diagnosed it. Most of us, however, probably never encountered it nor diagnosed it. Histoplasmosis is present in New Mexico, based on a number of cases diagnosed at Veterinary Diagnostic Services. It is probably endemic and has affected both dogs and cats. VDS has diagnosed histoplasmosis in a number of canines and felines. The affected area ranged from Las Cruces to Carlsbad/Roswell, and to Farmington and Four Corners areas. Based on these cases, we at VDS opined that perhaps a brief review of histoplasmosis might be appropriate.
Briefly, what is histoplasmosis?
It is a chronic, noncontagious, disseminated granulomatous disease of animals and humans caused by the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. The organism is commonly found in soil that contains bird droppings or bat guano. It is found worldwide, is endemic in much of the United States, primarily the Ohio and Mississippi River Valleys. However it expanded in recent years into Texas and New Mexico of the Southwestern US. It is transmitted commonly via aerosol contamination. The respiratory system and thoracic lymph nodes are primary sites of infection. However, the gastrointestinal system may also be a primary infection site (particularly in dogs), presumably by ingestion. Organisms enter the blood stream via the primary site of infection, and become disseminated throughout the body. This latter feature may ultimately result in localization in eyes, with subsequent endophthalmitis.
What are the clinical signs seen with histoplasmosis?
This is commonly a multisystemic disease, so clinical signs vary and are non-specific, reflecting the various organs involved. Canines may have a protracted course of weight loss, chronic cough, and persistent diarrhea. They may also have splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, lymphadenopathy, visual impairment, and occasional “weeping” skin lesions. Felines commonly have disseminated histoplasmosis, and severe respiratory signs are more consistent. They also have fever, depression, anorexia, and chronic weight loss. Splenomegaly, a variety of ocular disease conditions, lymphadenopathy, and cutaneous nodules or ulcerations are also seen in the cat.
Since histoplasmosis is “expanding” its territory, can I expect to encounter it frequently?
No, and yes. In regular day-by-day clinical practice in New Mexico, histoplasmosis will be an unusual and infrequent occurrence clinically. However, it is established here in New Mexico based on the cases diagnosed at VDS. As such it should be part of the differential diagnoses menu. That is, in animals with seemingly refractory cases of respiratory or gastrointestinal disease, and/or chronic weight loss.
How do I diagnose definitively histoplasmosis?
The disease should be considered in differential diagnoses when an animal is presented with certain symptoms. Those include signs of respiratory distress, persistent diarrhea, pulmonary nodules, and enlarged bronchial lymph nodes. The organisms are commonly numerous in affected tissues. Due to this, diagnosis may be achieved by fine needle aspirates and/or exfoliative cytology. Wedge biopsy is most accurate. The organism may be seen with routine H&E stains, but is easily seen with special stains that delineate fungi. Examples of these may be PAS, GMS, etc.. It may also be cultured from fresh tissue specimens, FNAs, and body fluids.
Can I diagnose histoplasmosis by serological findings?
Serology is strictly a screening test. It verifies or negates the animal having responded serologically to an antigenic challenge by Histoplasma capsulatum at some point. A rising titer via paired samples taken 14+ days apart may be suggestive (but not absolutely diagnostic of) active infection. Many animals (and humans) have been exposed to the agent, have seroconverted, and never develop overt signs of clinical disease.
If I have an animal with a suspect case of histoplasmosis that dies what can I find out? What if it is euthanized? Are there gross pathologic lesions that can confirm the diagnosis?
No—for reasons cited above. The lesions are non-specific in nature. They include lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, and granulomas that occur irregularly in lungs, intestines, liver, spleen, and elsewhere. Pathologic confirmation of the disease is best accomplished by having a complete necropsy procedure and appropriate histopathology. These must be conducted by a pathologist at a veterinary diagnostic laboratory. If submission of the entire animal to a diagnostic laboratory is not possible, call the laboratory. Speak with a pathologist about appropriate sample selection and submission.
Since histoplasmosis affects animals, birds, and humans, does a dog or cat diagnosed with the disease have zoonotic implications? How about for the owner/family (or attending veterinarian)?
No—humans commonly get the disease via aerosol transmission from contaminated soil, as do animals. There is no animal to-human-transmission, or animal-to-animal transmission. Both humans and animals that are immunocompromised for some reason are more “at risk” for this disease.
Is there an effective treatment for histoplasmosis?
According to the Merck Manual, Itraconazole (10 mg/kg/day) is the treatment of choice. This is for disseminated histoplasmosis in both dogs and cats. Ketaconazole @ 10-15 mg/kg BID for 4-6 mo. may be effective in early or mild cases in dogs. For severe cases, concurrent treatment with Amphotericin B is suggested. Recurrence is commonly seen in severe cases, even after protracted treatment; as such, prognosis is always guarded with this disease.
Ref: Merck Veterinary Manual, 9th Ed., (2005) Pathology of Domestic Animals (5th Ed.), Maxie, Jubb, Kennedy, and Palmer (2007)
Dr. John Ragsdale, VDS Division Director
ddvds@nmda.nmsu.edu
505-383-9299
800-432-9110 (In state only)