Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery Open Reports (Feb 2021)

Invasive fungal rhinitis with adnexal involvement caused by in a cat from a non-enzootic location

  • Catherine R Grinstead,
  • Andrew S Hanzlicek,
  • Heather W Largura,
  • L Joseph Wheat

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/2055116921993385
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 7

Abstract

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Case summary This report describes a cat with a rare form of histoplasmosis: invasive rhinitis with adnexal involvement, mimicking disease more commonly caused by cryptococcosis or aspergillosis. This case is especially noteworthy as it was from an area where histoplasmosis is not enzootic. Relevance and novel information Invasive fungal rhinitis causes significant morbidity in cats. Diagnostic investigation of more common pathogens includes detection of fungal antigen ( Cryptococcus ) or antifungal antibodies ( Aspergillus ). This case demonstrates that histoplasmosis can present as chronic nasal disease in cats. Histoplasma antigen testing provides a non-invasive diagnostic option. Moreover, this case serves as a reminder that histoplasmosis can affect cats anywhere, even in non-enzootic areas.