Blastomycosis in an African lion.

Using fluorescent antibody techniques, Blastomyces dermatitidis was identified in pyogranulomatous lesions in the lungs, mediastinum, trachea, and cerebrum of an African lion (Panthera leo). Clinical signs included anorexia and dry inspiratory rales. Signs of nervous system dysfunction were not reported prior to death even though a large lesion was found in the cerebrum at necropsy. The lion was shipped from a geographic area where B dermatitidis infection is endemic. It was evident from histologic studies that organisms were being shed from lesions in the trachea into the environment. We were unable to culture the organism because freezing apparently destroyed its viability.