The use of liposomal amphotericin B in the management of Xylohypha bantiana mycosis in a dog

Abstract

Xylohypha bantiana is a rare neurotropic fungal infection reported in humans, dogs and cats. In dogs it has only been identified on post mortem examination and thus no successful treatments have previously been reported. Amphotericin B is a potent antifungal drug with a low therapeutic index because of its nephrotoxicity. Liposomal encapsulation of the drug has resulted in much safer use in humans. This article reports a case of Xylohypha bantiana infection in a dog that was diagnosed antemortally and managed with liposomal amphotericin B, which resulted in the prolongation of quality of life for an infection that invariably results in rapid death.