# Case report: Disseminated Cladophialophora bantiana phaeohyphomycosis in a dog with hepatic dysfunction, and concurrent ehrlichiosis

## TL;DR

A 1-year-old dog with liver issues and ehrlichiosis died from a rare fungal infection, Cladophialophora bantiana, which is the first reported case in the West Indies.

## Contribution

This is the first documented case of Cladophialophora bantiana in the West Indies, highlighting its association with ehrlichiosis-induced immunosuppression.

## Key findings

- The dog had disseminated Cladophialophora bantiana phaeohyphomycosis confirmed by histology, culture, and PCR.
- Ehrlichia canis infection likely caused immunosuppression, predisposing the dog to the fungal infection.
- The case represents the first report of C. bantiana in the West Indies.

## Abstract

A 1-year-old mixed breed dog initially presented with marked ascites due to a low-protein transudate resulting from portal hypertension. Laboratory evaluation revealed non-regenerative anemia, lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia, evidence of hepatic insufficiency [hypoalbuminemia, decreased urea, increased post-prandial bile acids, prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)] and Ehrlichia canis infection. Approximately a week later, the dog was declining and was euthanized. On autopsy, multifocal hepatic granulomas and acquired portosystemic shunts (APSS) were seen. Imprint cytology revealed fungal hyphae and pyogranulomatous inflammation in the liver and brain. Disseminated Cladophialophora bantiana phaeohyphomycosis was diagnosed by histologic examination, culture and PCR. Immunosuppression due to ehrlichiosis is suspected to have predisposed this animal to fungal infection. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of C. bantiana in the West Indies.