Geographic distribution of Pythium insidiosum infections in the United States

Don Nguyen Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI

Search for other papers by Don Nguyen in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
 BS
,
Raquel Vilela Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Search for other papers by Raquel Vilela in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
 MD, PhD
,
Bruno M. Miraglia Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Search for other papers by Bruno M. Miraglia in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
 MD
,
Gabriella Vilela Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI

Search for other papers by Gabriella Vilela in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
 BS
,
Noora Jasem-Alali Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI

Search for other papers by Noora Jasem-Alali in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
 BS
,
Riann Rohn Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI

Search for other papers by Riann Rohn in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
 BS
,
Robert Glass Pan American Veterinary Laboratories, Lexington, TX

Search for other papers by Robert Glass in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
 BS
,
Richard D. Hansen SolidTech Animal Health, Inc, Newcastle, OK

Search for other papers by Richard D. Hansen in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
 DVM
, and
Leonel Mendoza Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI

Search for other papers by Leonel Mendoza in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
 MS, PhD

Abstract

OBJECTIVE

To describe the geographic distribution of infections caused by Pythium insidiosum in dogs, horses, and other animal species in the US.

ANIMALS

For the last 20 years, we have collected data from cases of pythiosis in 1,150 horses, 467 dogs, and other species (59) from various geographic locations in the US.

PROCEDURES

Due to lost data (from 2006 to 2016), the selected cases include years 2000 to 2005 and 2016 to 2020. The selection of cases was based on infected host clinical features, serum samples demonstrating strong positive anti–P insidiosum IgG titers in serologic assays, and positive results on ≥ 1 of the following diagnostic modalities: microbial culture on 2% Sabouraud dextrose agar, histologic evaluation, PCR assay, and wet mount cytologic evaluation (with potassium hydroxide).

RESULTS

Most confirmed P insidiosum infections were found in horses and dogs in the southeastern US. Interestingly, in Texas, no cases were found west of longitude 100°W. Few pythiosis cases were diagnosed in west-coast states. Equine cases were more often diagnosed during summer and fall months, but canine cases were more often diagnosed between September and February. Cases in other species were discovered in the same geographic areas as those in dogs and horses.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

To our knowledge, this is the first report providing the ecological distribution of P insidiosum infection in affected species in the US. Results of this study illustrated the importance of including P insidiosum in the differential diagnostic scheme of nonhealing skin lesions or intestinal granulomatous masses, particularly in dogs and horses inhabiting or having visited endemic areas.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE

To describe the geographic distribution of infections caused by Pythium insidiosum in dogs, horses, and other animal species in the US.

ANIMALS

For the last 20 years, we have collected data from cases of pythiosis in 1,150 horses, 467 dogs, and other species (59) from various geographic locations in the US.

PROCEDURES

Due to lost data (from 2006 to 2016), the selected cases include years 2000 to 2005 and 2016 to 2020. The selection of cases was based on infected host clinical features, serum samples demonstrating strong positive anti–P insidiosum IgG titers in serologic assays, and positive results on ≥ 1 of the following diagnostic modalities: microbial culture on 2% Sabouraud dextrose agar, histologic evaluation, PCR assay, and wet mount cytologic evaluation (with potassium hydroxide).

RESULTS

Most confirmed P insidiosum infections were found in horses and dogs in the southeastern US. Interestingly, in Texas, no cases were found west of longitude 100°W. Few pythiosis cases were diagnosed in west-coast states. Equine cases were more often diagnosed during summer and fall months, but canine cases were more often diagnosed between September and February. Cases in other species were discovered in the same geographic areas as those in dogs and horses.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

To our knowledge, this is the first report providing the ecological distribution of P insidiosum infection in affected species in the US. Results of this study illustrated the importance of including P insidiosum in the differential diagnostic scheme of nonhealing skin lesions or intestinal granulomatous masses, particularly in dogs and horses inhabiting or having visited endemic areas.

All Time Past Year Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 935 0 0
Full Text Views 4888 3603 149
PDF Downloads 2356 751 54
Advertisement