Studies on the association of Aspergillus fumigatus with ocular infections in animals
Pal, M.; Mehrotra, B.S.
Veterinary Record 118(2): 42-44
1986
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4900 PMID: 3511605 Document Number: 276473
The occurrence and aetiological significance of A. fumigatus, an opportunistic pathogen, were studied in 93 animals with various ophthalmological problems. A total of 93 eye swabs collected from 35 mules, 26 dogs, 13 fowls, 11 cattle, five buffaloes and three camels were investigated mycologically for A. fumigatus. The pathogen was isolated in pure and heavy growth from the swabs from two dogs, one bull, one mule and one fowl. The fungus was also demonstrated directly in clinical material by the potassium hydroxide technique. A. fumigatus could not be cultured from the buffaloes and camels. All the five cases had been treated with broad spectrum antibiotics and cortisone, and two had received traumatic injury to the eyes (one mule and a bull). The organism was not isolated in pure culture from the conjunctival swabs of 22 apparently healthy animals (11 dogs, six mules, three fowls and two cattle). Many other saprophytic fungi were recovered in mixed cultures but were considered to be contaminants. The clinical signs and diagnostic criteria of oculomycosis are discussed.