Pulmonary hyalohyphomycosis caused by Fusarium spp in a Kemp's ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys kempi): an immunohistochemical study

Authors: Oros J, Delgado C, Jensen HE, Fernandez L
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 52, Issue 3, pp 150-152, Jun 2004
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Marine life
Subject Terms: Bacterial, Diagnostic procedures, Fungal/yeast, Mycotoxicosis, Pasture/crop, Pathology, Respiratory system
Article class: Short Communication

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Abstract: AIM: To describe the microscopic and immunohistochemical findings in a case of pulmonary hyalohyphomycosis in a Kemp’s ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys kempi).
METHODS: Samples of lung, liver and kidney from a stranded, dead Kemp’s ridley sea turtle were routinely processed for histopathological studies. Two monoclonal antibodies that reacted specifically with antigens of Aspergillus spp and the Mucorales (Zygomycetes) group, and a panel of polyclonal antibodies raised against Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida albicans, Geotrichum candidum, Fusarium solani, and Scedosporium apiospermum were used for immunohistochemical or immunofluorescence staining.
RESULTS: Histologically, a severe multifocal granulomatous pneumonia associated with fungal infection was diagnosed. All hyphae were identified as Fusarium spp because a strong and uniform reactivity was obtained only with a heterologously-absorbed polyclonal antibody raised against somatic antigens of Fusarium solani.
CONCLUSIONS: Fusarium spp should be included in the differential diagnosis of mycotic pneumonia in Kemp’s ridley sea turtles.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This is the first report of a pulmonary mycotic infection in a sea turtle diagnosed using immunohistochemistry. Wildlife rehabilitators and pathologists should be aware of the availability of immunohistochemical techniques for identifying fungi in sea turtles. KEY WORDS: Fusarium, hyalohyphomycosis, immunohistochemistry, Lepidochelys kempi, reptile, sea turtle

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