Mycotic pneumonia caused by Fusarium moniliforme in an alligator.

Abstract

Fatal pulmonary infection in a captive alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is reported. At necropsy, the animal appeared to be in excellent nutritional condition, but a severe necrotizing bronchitis with bronchiectasis was present. Histological examination revealed numerous branched, septate, hyaline hyphae within the necrotic debris lining the bronchi and rarely infiltrating into the adjacent stroma. The fungus cultured from the lung was identified as F. moniliforme.