Pathological and Immunohistochemical Investigation of Naturally Occurring Systemic Candida albicans Infection in Dogs

Abstract

Systemic candidiasis is a rare disease of animals. In this study, the clinical course, and cultural and pathological findings of systemic candidiasis are described and presumed predisposing factors are investigated in 3 dogs. Pathologically, pyogranulomatous lesions in various organs were present in all dogs. Blastospores, pseudohyphae, and true hyphae of Candida albicans were observed with periodic acid Schiff, Gomori's methenamine silver, and immunohistochemistry. Administrations of broad-spectrum antibiotics and corticosteroids and, in one dog, parvoviral infection were thought to be predisposing factors leading to opportunistic infection. The combined effect of immunosuppressants and antibiotics might have led to Candida colonization and dissemination in these dogs. © TÜBİTAK.