Paecilomyces lilacinus (Thom) Samson, from systemic infection in an armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus)

Abstract

Paecilomyces lilacinus was recovered in culture from pulmonary lesions and other internal organs of a captive armadillo. Impression films and smears of the lung tissue revealed numerous budding yeast-like cells, many of them appearing encapsulated and resembling intracellular forms of Histoplasma capsulatum. Yeast-like forms developed in culture on appropriate media at 35 degrees C. The armadillo isolate was compared in culture at both 27 degrees C and 35 degrees C with bamboo rat and human isolates of Penicillium marneffei. The two species were also subjected to serologic and pathogenicity studies. Sensitivities of the armadillo isolate to five antifungal agents in vitro were consistent with those of three human isolates of this species but contrasted sharply with those of P. marneffei.