Pulmonary pneumocystosis in a captive kinkajou with molecular evidence of a novel Pneumocystis lineage

An 11-mo-old, intact male captive kinkajou ( Potos flavus ) was submitted for postmortem investigation because of emaciation and hindlimb overgrooming. Histologically, alveolar airspaces were filled with fungal structures that were morphologically and histochemically consistent with Pneumocystis spp. PCR of pulmonary tissue was negative for canine distemper virus and positive for Pneumocystis spp. Molecular testing yielded amplification of the Pneumocystis spp. mitochondrial large-subunit rRNA (mtLSU rRNA, 510 bp) and the small-subunit rRNA (mtSSU rRNA, 565 bp). Phylogenetic analysis suggested a potentially novel Pneumocystis lineage associated with P. flavus . Additional nuclear loci are required to confirm its taxonomic status. Gastric and colonic histologic findings included concurrent candidiasis and colonic nematodosis. An underlying immunosuppressive disease was suspected. Further investigation is required to clarify the role of kinkajous in the ecology of fungal pathogens and the causes of immunosuppression in this species, particularly in the context of human–wildlife interactions. Enhanced surveillance and interdisciplinary collaboration are essential to evaluate potential zoonotic risks and inform conservation and public health strategies.