Bronchoscopic and serologic diagnosis of Aspergillus fumigatus pulmonary infection in a bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)

A 4-yr-old male bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) developed an Asperg illus fumigatus pneumonia. Fungal elements were identified by cytology and microbiology from endoscopic bronchoalveolar lavage and brushings of a rais ed yellow endobronchial lesion. The results of qualitative immunodiffusion serology, a technique that identifies specific circulating antibodies to As pergillus fumigatus, were suggestive of an active infection. The dolphin wa s treated with itraconazole for over 2 yr, which resulted in remission of c linical signs. Pneumonia caused by Aspergillus sp. accounts for the large m ajority of pulmonary mycoses in marine mammals. Bronchoscopy facilitated an early definitive diagnosis, accurate treatment, and remission.