The use of posaconazole delayed-release tablets in the successful treatment of suspected mucormycosis in a bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) calf

Abstract

Mucorales infections in cetaceans have a high mortality rate. This case report refers to a bottlenose dolphin calf with suspected mucormycosis treated with posaconazole. This antifungal agent was discontinued after 96 days of therapy, however, the infection relapsed. Posaconazole was then resumed for a total of 255 days, with no signs of disease reactivation. The retrospective analysis of posaconazole serum levels in this successful case showed concentrations varying between 5.18 and 11.63 mg/L.

Keywords

• Mucormycosis
• Cunninghamella bertholettiae
• Posaconazole
• Bottlenose dolphin
• Therapeutic drug monitoring