Invasive hyphomycotic rhinitis in a cat due to Metarhizium anisopliae

Abstract

Invasive mycotic rhinitis was diagnosed in a cat with a 4-month history of stertor, nasal discharge and subcutaneous swelling of the nasal bridge. Histology demonstrated fungal hyphae in representative biopsies of the nasal cavity and subcutaneous mass. Mycological culture demonstrated a pure growth of Metarhizium anisopliae var. anisopliae. The infection was treated with orally administered itraconazole. This is the first well documented case of infection by M. anisopliae in a mammalian host.