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Fungal Diseases in Animals, 3rd Edition
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Fungal Diseases in Animals, 3rd Edition

A special issue of Journal of Fungi (ISSN 2309-608X). This special issue belongs to the section "Fungal Pathogenesis and Disease Control".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2025 | Viewed by 6493

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Francesca Mancianti

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
Interests: parasitic protozoa; zoonotic fungi; Leishmania spp.; Toxoplasma gondii
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Veterinary fungal diseases have been neglected over the years, despite their spread across the world involving several classes of animals. Mycoses and mycotoxicoses are the main fungal affections found in animals.

Animal mycoses impact animal welfare as well on human health when zoonotic agents, such as dermatophytes and Sporothrix spp., are involved.  In food-producing species, organisms such as aspergilli, Nosema spp., Saprolegnia spp., and Prototheca spp. can be responsible for heavy economic losses. Furthermore, several emerging pathogens (e.g., Capronia in mussels, Nannizziopsaceae in reptiles,  Batrachochytrium spp. In amphibians, Geomyces destructans in Chiroptera)  represent a threat and drive the decline of animal populations.

Mycotoxicoses, caused by secondary toxic fungal metabolites, can impact animal health when acute disease occurs or may accumulate in the food chain, inducing pathologic disorders in humans.

This Special Issue will be devoted to studies including all the aspects of animal fungal infections, with a particular emphasis to etiology, epidemiology, pathogenesis diagnosis, control, and treatment of diseases they can induce. Experimental studies, as well as case reports and review papers, will be welcome.

Prof. Dr. Francesca Mancianti
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • mycoses
  • mycotoxicoses 
  • fungal zoonoses 
  • fungi 
  • molds 
  • yeasts 
  • dimorphic fungi 
  • microsporidia 
  • algae 
  • oomycetes

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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21 pages, 3889 KiB  
Article
First Report on Antifungal Activity of Metschnikowia pulcherrima Against Ascosphaera apis, the Causative Agent of Chalkbrood Disease in Honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) Colonies
by Massimo Iorizzo, Francesca Coppola, Gianfranco Pannella, Sonia Ganassi, Cristina Matarazzo, Gianluca Albanese, Cosimo Tedino, Licia Maria Di Donato, Vincenzo Pio Iacovino, Rosaria Cozzolino and Antonio De Cristofaro
J. Fungi 2025, 11(5), 336; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11050336 - 25 Apr 2025
Viewed by 206
Abstract
Chalkbrood is the manifestation of the fungal disease caused by Ascosphaera apis, which affects broods of developing honeybees, particularly in Apis mellifera colonies. Recently, Metschnikowia pulcherrima has been proposed as a biocontrol agent in winemaking and for the management of major postharvest [...] Read more.
Chalkbrood is the manifestation of the fungal disease caused by Ascosphaera apis, which affects broods of developing honeybees, particularly in Apis mellifera colonies. Recently, Metschnikowia pulcherrima has been proposed as a biocontrol agent in winemaking and for the management of major postharvest and soil-borne plant pathogenic fungi. In this study, the antagonistic activity of three M. pulcherrima strains against fifteen A. apis strains, isolated from contaminated hives of A. mellifera, was evaluated, with a specific focus on the potential antifungal activity of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The study revealed that M. pulcherrima was effective against A. apis and that the antifungal activity was related to various mechanisms including competition for nutrients, secretion of pulcherriminic acid, and biosynthesis of specific antifungal VOCs. We also found that each M. pulcherrima strain produced a unique combination of VOCs, and the antifungal activity was strain-dependent and varied depending on the specific yeast-mold combination. In addition, preliminary analyses showed that a temperature of 30 °C and a higher amount of glucose (40 g/L) in the growing medium promote the growth of A. apis. These results could be useful for designing new strategies for the biocontrol of chalkbrood disease in honeybee colonies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Diseases in Animals, 3rd Edition)
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15 pages, 17659 KiB  
Article
Amphibian (Xenopus laevis) Macrophage Subsets Vary in Their Responses to the Chytrid Fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis
by Amulya Yaparla, Milan Popovic, Kelsey A. Hauser, Louise A. Rollins-Smith and Leon Grayfer
J. Fungi 2025, 11(4), 311; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11040311 - 15 Apr 2025
Viewed by 295
Abstract
The chytrid fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), infects amphibian skin, causing chytridiomycosis, which is a contributing cause of worldwide declines and extinctions of amphibians. Relatively little is known about the roles of amphibian skin-resident immune cells, such as macrophages, in these antifungal defenses. Across [...] Read more.
The chytrid fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), infects amphibian skin, causing chytridiomycosis, which is a contributing cause of worldwide declines and extinctions of amphibians. Relatively little is known about the roles of amphibian skin-resident immune cells, such as macrophages, in these antifungal defenses. Across vertebrates, macrophage differentiation is controlled through the activation of colony-stimulating factor-1 (CSF1) receptor by CSF1 and interleukin-34 (IL34) cytokines. While the precise roles of these respective cytokines in macrophage development remain to be fully explored, our ongoing studies indicate that frog (Xenopus laevis) macrophages differentiated by recombinant forms of CSF1 and IL34 are functionally distinct. Accordingly, we explored the roles of X. laevis CSF1- and IL34-macrophages in anti-Bd defenses. Enriching cutaneous IL34-macrophages, but not CSF1-macrophages, resulted in significant anti-Bd protection. In vitro analysis of frog macrophage-Bd interactions indicated that both macrophage subsets phagocytosed Bd. However, IL34-macrophages cocultured with Bd exhibited greater pro-inflammatory gene expression, whereas CSF1-macrophages cocultured with Bd showed greater immunosuppressive gene expression profiles. Concurrently, Bd-cocultured with CSF1-macrophages, but not IL34-macrophages, possessed elevated expression of genes associated with immune evasion. This work marks a step forward in our understanding of the roles of frog macrophage subsets in antifungal defenses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Diseases in Animals, 3rd Edition)
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17 pages, 9707 KiB  
Article
Snake Fungal Disease (Ophidiomycosis) in Northern Pine Snakes (Pituophis melanoleucus melanoleucus) in New Jersey: Variations by Year, Sex, and Morphological Sampling Site
by Joanna Burger, Christian Jeitner, Robert T. Zappalorti, John Bunnell, Kelly Ng, Emile DeVito, David Schneider and Michael Gochfeld
J. Fungi 2025, 11(3), 206; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11030206 - 6 Mar 2025
Viewed by 577
Abstract
Ophidiomyces ophidiicola, the fungus causing Snake Fungal Disease (SFD) or ophidiomycosis, is prevalent in North American snakes and can have deleterious population effects. Northern pine snakes (Pituophis melanoleucus melanoleucus) in New Jersey often test positive for ophidiomycosis. In this paper, [...] Read more.
Ophidiomyces ophidiicola, the fungus causing Snake Fungal Disease (SFD) or ophidiomycosis, is prevalent in North American snakes and can have deleterious population effects. Northern pine snakes (Pituophis melanoleucus melanoleucus) in New Jersey often test positive for ophidiomycosis. In this paper, we use qPCR to examine changes in prevalence from 2018 to 2023, and differences by age, sex, and morphological sampling locations. We swabbed ventral surfaces, head, and cloaca of snakes, and lesions and eyes if there were clinical ophidiomycosis signs. A snake was considered positive if any site was positive by qPCR. The prevalence was 47% (2018), increased to 100% (2022), but declined to 46% in 2023. The prevalence was highest in snakes with lesions (46–100%); head swabs had the lowest rates. The more lesions a snake had, the more likely it was that at least one would be positive. Males had significantly more lesions than females, but the prevalence was similar. In 2023, the prevalence of O. ophidiicola was low, but the prevalence of lesions did not decrease as markedly. We discuss the temporal changes in the positivity for O. ophidiicola and its implications for ophidiomycosis effects, suggesting that the fungus is endemic in this population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Diseases in Animals, 3rd Edition)
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14 pages, 5615 KiB  
Article
In Vitro Infection Model Using A6 Cells Sets the Stage for Host–Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans Exploration
by Elin Verbrugghe, Frank Pasmans and An Martel
J. Fungi 2025, 11(2), 156; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11020156 - 18 Feb 2025
Viewed by 657
Abstract
The chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) poses a significant threat to amphibian biodiversity, driving severe declines in salamander populations in Europe. While understanding the host–pathogen interaction may yield novel avenues for disease mitigation, effective in vitro models are currently lacking. We here develop [...] Read more.
The chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) poses a significant threat to amphibian biodiversity, driving severe declines in salamander populations in Europe. While understanding the host–pathogen interaction may yield novel avenues for disease mitigation, effective in vitro models are currently lacking. We here develop a cell-culture-based model using A6 cells to reproduce the complete life cycle of Bsal in vitro, encompassing key stages such as β-galactose-associated cell attachment, active host cell penetration, intracellular maturation, host cell death, and Bsal release. Using imaging techniques, we provide evidence that Bsal penetrates A6 cells through a mechanism independent of conventional host actin dynamics. Our comparative analysis reveals that Bsal infection closely mirrors responses observed in native salamander skin tissues, validating the A6 cell line as an effective surrogate for in vivo studies. This research enhances our understanding of Bsal’s pathogenicity and emphasizes the potential of the A6 cell model for future studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Diseases in Animals, 3rd Edition)
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19 pages, 14147 KiB  
Article
Nationwide Screening Unveils Endemic Ophidiomyces ophidiicola Presence in Northern Italy, Mainly Affecting Dice Snakes: Evidence from Contemporary and Historical Snake Samples
by Matteo Riccardo Di Nicola, Kevin P. Mulder, Elin Verbrugghe, Federico Storniolo, Naomi Terriere, Luca Colla, Roberto Sacchi, Giacomo Vanzo, Giovanni Zanfei, Daniele Marini, Frank Pasmans and An Martel
J. Fungi 2025, 11(2), 118; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11020118 - 5 Feb 2025
Viewed by 941
Abstract
Ophidiomycosis, caused by the keratinophilic fungus Ophidiomyces ophidiicola (Oo), is an emerging threat to snake populations, yet its epidemiology in Europe remains underexplored. We investigated the distribution of Oo across free-ranging snake populations in Italy, integrating both recent field samples and historical museum [...] Read more.
Ophidiomycosis, caused by the keratinophilic fungus Ophidiomyces ophidiicola (Oo), is an emerging threat to snake populations, yet its epidemiology in Europe remains underexplored. We investigated the distribution of Oo across free-ranging snake populations in Italy, integrating both recent field samples and historical museum specimens. Our survey involved 423 snakes representing 17 species from 17 regions, with Oo detected in 32 snakes from five different species. Additional molecular detection for Parananniziopsis spp. on a subset of 13 Oo-negative samples from snakes that exhibited clinical signs yielded negative results. Acknowledging the non-standardised sampling and the limited sample size, our findings highlight Oo’s persistent and widespread presence across diverse ecological zones, particularly affecting semi-aquatic species like Natrix tessellata. While Oo Clade I was primarily found in museum specimens, indicating a historical presence, Clade II prevailed in recent samples. This highlights a complex epidemiological landscape where different clades may influence the current disease dynamics. Our results underscore the importance of continuous surveillance and highlight the need for standardised sampling to better understand snake fungal disease ecology and epidemiology in Italy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Diseases in Animals, 3rd Edition)
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14 pages, 1000 KiB  
Article
Correlation Between Cryptococcus Infection and the Nasal Mycobiota in a Population of Free-Ranging Koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) in New South Wales, Australia
by Andrew S. McPherson, Sophie L. Haworth, Alex Kan, Luisa Monteiro de Miranda and Mark B. Krockenberger
J. Fungi 2025, 11(1), 64; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11010064 - 15 Jan 2025
Viewed by 982
Abstract
Cryptococcosis is a fungal disease in humans and animals, caused by the Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii species complexes. Clinical cryptococcosis primarily manifests as upper respiratory tract disease; however, dissemination to other organs, particularly the brain, can occur. Nasal colonisation and subclinical cryptococcosis [...] Read more.
Cryptococcosis is a fungal disease in humans and animals, caused by the Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii species complexes. Clinical cryptococcosis primarily manifests as upper respiratory tract disease; however, dissemination to other organs, particularly the brain, can occur. Nasal colonisation and subclinical cryptococcosis are common in koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) due to their shared environmental niche with Cryptococcus: Eucalyptus trees. However, for reasons that remain unclear, the prevalence of clinical disease is low in koalas. Interactions between respiratory pathogens and the nasal mycobiome are thought to play a role in the development and progression of numerous respiratory diseases. As such, this study aimed to characterise the mycobiome of the nasal vestibule in koalas with and without evidence of cryptococcal colonisation and subclinical disease via the next-generation sequencing (NGS) of the ITS1 region of the fungal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene. Samples were collected from 47 koalas from a population of free-ranging koalas in the Liverpool Plains, NSW, Australia, with a known history of Cryptococcus exposure and nasal colonisation. Of the 47 animals tested, 6.4% were culture-positive only, 4.3% were seropositive only, and 2.1% were culture- and seropositive. C. gattii was detected in four samples via NGS. C. neoformans was not detected via NGS. There were no significant differences in the nasal mycobiomes of Cryptococcus-positive and -negative animals; thus, we could not establish a definitive association between the mycobiome and infection outcomes. We identified a number of fungal genera that were significantly more abundant in samples from Cryptococcus-positive animals, but there was no apparent relationship between these genera and the development of cryptococcosis. This study represents the first investigation of the nasal mycobiota of wild koalas. Further studies involving koalas with clinical disease are necessary to determine the role of the nasal mycobiota in the development of cryptococcosis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Diseases in Animals, 3rd Edition)
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8 pages, 3008 KiB  
Communication
Outbreak of Feline Sporotrichosis with Zoonotic Potential in the Seventh Health District of Maceió-AL
by Ana Paula de Castro Pires, Júllia de Oliveira Siqueira, Maria Rafaela Pereira Gomes, Janaína André da Silva, Alisson Luiz da Costa, João Paulo de Castro Marcondes and Aryanna Kelly Pinheiro Souza
J. Fungi 2024, 10(7), 473; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10070473 - 10 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1386
Abstract
Sporotrichosis is a mycosis with zoonotic potential caused by species of Sporothrix. Once thought rare in northeastern Brazil, the disease has recently been spreading, leading to an emergency health issue. In this paper, we describe an outbreak of feline sporotrichosis in the [...] Read more.
Sporotrichosis is a mycosis with zoonotic potential caused by species of Sporothrix. Once thought rare in northeastern Brazil, the disease has recently been spreading, leading to an emergency health issue. In this paper, we describe an outbreak of feline sporotrichosis in the Seventh Health District of Maceió-AL. We collected samples from 23 domiciled and non-domiciled felines without regard for age, breed, sex, and neutering state. Skin samples were analyzed cytologically under a light microscope and seeded onto Sabouraud dextrose agar at 25 °C for from 15 to 30 days. Fifteen of the twenty-three cats with suspected skin lesions were positive for Sporothrix spp. on either cytological or microbiological evaluation. Most of the infected cats were male, young adults, non-neutered, with free access to external areas, and living in environments with poor sanitation, a high population density, and an accumulation of garbage and organic matter. Three owners were bitten or scratched by infected cats and subsequently developed suspicious cutaneous lesions suggestive of sporotrichosis. The epidemiological features of feline sporotrichosis in the outbreaks of Maceió seemed to share similarities with the data obtained from outbreaks in current hyperendemic areas. Identifying geographical sites of infection and providing compulsory notification of the disease is essential for avoiding an epidemic in Alagoas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Diseases in Animals, 3rd Edition)
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10 pages, 5506 KiB  
Case Report
Fungal Empyema Thoracis Associated with Clavispora lusitaniae—First Report in a Domestic Cat
by Radka Garnoeva and Velina Dinkova
J. Fungi 2025, 11(3), 170; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11030170 - 20 Feb 2025
Viewed by 529
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections are life-threatening conditions that always pose a challenge to veterinary practitioners. The diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in a case of pleural effusion in a domestic cat with a 7-day history of progressive tachypnea were described. Fungal pyothorax was diagnosed on [...] Read more.
Invasive fungal infections are life-threatening conditions that always pose a challenge to veterinary practitioners. The diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in a case of pleural effusion in a domestic cat with a 7-day history of progressive tachypnea were described. Fungal pyothorax was diagnosed on the basis of the clinical signs, radiography findings, complete blood counts, and isolation of the pathogen from pleural effusion samples on two occasions. After three thoracenteses for evacuation of the pleural exudate and 15-day therapy with terbinafine, the general condition of the patient was very good; the complete blood count and respiratory and heart rates returned to normal; and no diagnostic imaging signs of pleural effusion were present. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of empyema thoracis caused by Clavispora lusitaniae in a domestic cat. The described case emphasises the primary importance of timely identification of pathogenic agent(s) of feline pyothorax and appropriately prescribed treatment for the prevention of severe complications and fatal outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Diseases in Animals, 3rd Edition)
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9 pages, 3519 KiB  
Case Report
Systemic Scytalidium Infection with Hyperbetaglobulinemia in a Giant Schnauzer
by Andrea Grassi, Maria Elena Turba, Marianna Pantoli, Fabio Gentilini, Emanuela Olivieri, Cristian Salogni, Simona Nardoni, Matteo Gambini and Francesca Mancianti
J. Fungi 2025, 11(2), 136; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11020136 - 11 Feb 2025
Viewed by 590
Abstract
Scytalidiosis in humans primarily causes feet and nail infections, with systemic infections rarely reported. In dogs, only one systemic infection of Scytalidium spp. has been reported to date. A 3-year-old giant schnauzer presented with loss of appetite, lethargy, and hind limb lameness. A [...] Read more.
Scytalidiosis in humans primarily causes feet and nail infections, with systemic infections rarely reported. In dogs, only one systemic infection of Scytalidium spp. has been reported to date. A 3-year-old giant schnauzer presented with loss of appetite, lethargy, and hind limb lameness. A complete clinical examination was performed, along with hematobiochemical tests, radiography, CT, MRI, and cytological and microbiological analyses of it enlarged lymph nodes. Hyperglobulinemia, vertebral osteolysis, and generalized lymphadenomegaly were diagnosed. Cytopathological and molecular investigations confirmed Scytalidium. Although treated with itraconazole, the dog’s condition worsened after a premature discontinuation of therapy, leading to euthanasia. A post-mortem and histopathological examination revealed widespread infection. This case highlights the need to consider fungal infections in cases of elevated β-2 protein. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Diseases in Animals, 3rd Edition)
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