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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Ames, Iowa » National Animal Disease Center » Virus and Prion Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #105901
Title: CONCURRENT CANDIDIASIS, LISTERIOSIS AND ADENOVIRUS INFECTIONS IN A RACCOON (PROCYON LOTOR)

Author
item Hamir, Amirali
item MATTSON, DONALD - OR.ST.UNIV.,CORVALLIS,OR.
item SONN, ROBERT - OR.ST.UNIV.,CORVALLIS,OR.
item Stasko, Judith
item HABECKER, PERRY - UNIV. PA.,KENNET SQ.,PA.

Submitted to: Veterinary Research
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/10/1999
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Lesions caused by 3 microorganisms (a viral, a bacterial, and a fungal) are described in a raccoon. Both the viral (caused by adenovirus) and the bacterial (caused by Listeria) infections caused lesions in the lung. The fungal infection (caused by Candida albicans) produced lesions in the lining of mouth and nasal passages. All 3 microorganisms were seen by microscopic examination of tissues of this raccoon and their presence was confirmed by specific laboratory tests. Although infection by Listeria has been reported in a raccoon, lung lesions associated with this bacteria have not been observed previously. This appears to be the first documented case of natural infection by Candida albicans and adenovirus in a raccoon. It also happens to be the only reported case of simultaneous viral, bacterial and fungal infections in this species without a concurrent canine distemper infection. The latter causes abnormality of the immune system (immunosuppression). The findings in this raccoon suggests a presence of an as yet unknown primary immunosuppressive condition (other than canine distemper virus infection) with secondary opportunistic infections by fungal, bacterial and viral agents.

Technical Abstract: Gross and histopathological lesions are described in a raccoon (Procyon lotor) kit with concurrent viral, bacterial, and fungal infections. Fluorescent antibody tests were negative for the presence of rabies and canine distemper virus antigens. Nasal and oral cultures revealed heavy growth of Candida albicans. Ultrastructural and immunohistochemical examinations revealed viral particles compatible with adenovirus and the presence of listerial antigen, respectively. Although listeriosis has been reported in a raccoon, pulmonary lesions associated with this bacteria has not been observed. This appears to be the first documented case of naturally occurring candidiasis and adenovirus infections in a raccoon. It also happens to be the only reported case of concurrent viral, bacterial and fungal infections in this species without a concurrent infection with canine distemper. The findings suggests a presence of an as yet unknown primary immunosuppressive condition (other than canine distemper virus infection) with secondary opportunistic infections by fungal, bacterial and viral agents in the raccoon.