Case report : intracranial fungal granuloma in a dromedary (Camelus dromedarius)

Abstract

Background: Here, we describe a case of an intracranial fungal granuloma in an adult, non-castrated female dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius). Case presentation: An 11-year-old female dromedary presented with progressive neurological signs over several weeks. Neurological examination suggested a forebrain lesion, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a mass in the frontal fossa. Owing to poor prognosis, the animal was euthanized. Histopathological examination demonstrated a granulomatous-necrotizing inflammatory process containing fungal structures. Broad-range polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and amplicon sequencing results were consistent with a member of the Aspergillus fumigatus species complex being the causative agent. Conclusions: Central nervous system involvement is rare in fungal infections. Intracranial fungal granulomas should be considered as a differential diagnosis in camels presenting with progressive neurological signs and space-occupying intracranial lesions.