Systemic Candida albicans Infection in Two Alpacas (Lama pacos)

SummarySystemic Candida albicans infection was diagnosed in two adult alpaca stallions originating from different herds. Case 1 had a history of chronic dermatitis with unknown aetiology that had been treated long-term with glucocorticoids. Case 2 had suffered from transient facial paralysis and psoroptic mange of the external ear. Both animals died suddenly after recovering from their initial disorders. Necropsy examination of case 1 revealed multifocal erosive dermatitis, thoracic and abdominal serofibrinous effusions, and multiple suppurative foci in lung, myocardium, kidney, pancreas and brain. Case 2 had multiple ulcers of the third gastric compartment and focal suppurative nephritis. Additionally, moderate depletion of lymphoid organs was observed in both animals. Histologically, suppurative to necrotizing inflammation with necrotizing vasculitis was present in the grossly affected organs of both animals. Yeast, pseudohyphae and branching hyphae were present within these lesions and C. albicans was isolated from lesional tissue of both animals. The primary site of Candida invasion was not determined in case 1, but the most likely portal of entry in case 2 was the gastric ulcers. Depletion of lymphoid tissue suggested a possible underlying immune suppression in both animals.