Co-infection of Deep-seated Mycosis caused by Candida albicans, Aspergillus spp., and Mucorales with Bovine Adenovirus Type 4 Infection in a Japanese Black Calf

Abstract

A 4-day-old Japanese Black calf presented with fever as well as respiratory and neurological symptoms and died at the age of 17 days. Necropsy revealed multiple white nodules in the peritoneum and liver, erosions and ulcers in the forestomach and abomasum, and cerebrospinal fluid opacity. Microbiological examination was used to isolate Candida albicans from multiple organs, including the brain. The causative agent of the lesions was confirmed to be C. albicans using immunohistochemistry. Infections caused by Aspergillus spp. and Mucorales were also observed in the stomach, liver, and peritoneum. Furthermore, electron microscopy and DNA sequence analysis revealed multiple intranuclear inclusion bodies, identified as those produced by bovine adenovirus (BAdV) type 4, in various organs. This is the first report of C. albicans -induced encephalomyelitis along with BAdV type 4 infection in cattle. The etiology of death in this calf might be attributed to co-infections due to BAdV type 4, C. albicans , and multiple pathogenic species causing deep-seated mycosis.