Cryptococcus infections in cats

Trivedi SR, Sykes JE, Cannon MS, et al. Clinical features and epidemiology of cryptococcosis in cats and dogs in California: 93 cases (1988–2010). J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2011; 239: 357-69.

Cryptococcus organisms

Cryptococcosis is a deep mycotic infection found worldwide and is the most common systemic mycosis of cats. The nasal cavity is suspected as the initial site of cryptococcal infection in cats. Other sites of involvement in cats include the skin, lymph nodes, central nervous system, eyes, and lungs. This study is a retrospective case series comparing clinical features of cryptococcosis among cats and dogs in California. Sixty-two cats had a confirmed diagnosis of cryptococcosis in the study. Diagnosis of cryptococcosis can be made through the cytological examination of smears or histologic evaluation of tissue samples. Latex agglutination assays of serum, urine, or cerebrospinal fluid have been used with increasing frequency to diagnose cryptococcosis. Serum cryptococcal antigen test results were positive in 51 of 52 cats. Cryptococcus gattii, primarily molecular type VGIII, was the species most commonly detected in cats. The greater number of cats had nasal or upper respiratory signs and cutaneous masses. [VT]

Related articles: Trivedi SR, Malik R, Meyer W and Sykes JE. Feline cryptococcosis: impact of current research on clinical management. J Feline Med Surg. 2011; 13: 163-72. [Free, full text]

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Trivedi SR, Sykes JE, Cannon MS, et al. Clinical features and epidemiology of cryptococcosis in cats and dogs in California: 93 cases (1988–2010). J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2011; 239: 357-69.

Cryptococcus organisms

Cryptococcosis is a deep mycotic infection found worldwide and is the most common systemic mycosis of cats. The nasal cavity is suspected as the initial site of cryptococcal infection in cats. Other sites of involvement in cats include the skin, lymph nodes, central nervous system, eyes, and lungs. This study is a retrospective case series comparing clinical features of cryptococcosis among cats and dogs in California. Sixty-two cats had a confirmed diagnosis of cryptococcosis in the study. Diagnosis of cryptococcosis can be made through the cytological examination of smears or histologic evaluation of tissue samples. Latex agglutination assays of serum, urine, or cerebrospinal fluid have been used with increasing frequency to diagnose cryptococcosis. Serum cryptococcal antigen test results were positive in 51 of 52 cats. Cryptococcus gattii, primarily molecular type VGIII, was the species most commonly detected in cats. The greater number of cats had nasal or upper respiratory signs and cutaneous masses. [VT]

Related articles: Trivedi SR, Malik R, Meyer W and Sykes JE. Feline cryptococcosis: impact of current research on clinical management. J Feline Med Surg. 2011; 13: 163-72. [Free, full text]

More on cat health:
Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Cryptococcus in Cats

Byrnes EJ, III, Li W, Lewit Y et al: Emergence and pathogenicity of highly virulent Cryptococcus gattii genotypes in the northwest United States, PLoS Pathog 6:e1000850, 2010.

The fungus Cryptococcus gatti has the potential to cause life-threatening illness in humans and animals. It is the most common systemic fungus infecting cats. In the last decade, C gatti has emerged as an important pathogen in northwestern North America, including Canada and the US. Normally it is found associated with Eucalyptus trees in tropical and subtropical regions. The emergence of this pathogen in temperate climates may indicate an expansion of its ecological niche. Genetic analysis of this pathogen, as for many others, provides important epidemiologic information. These researchers genetically characterized a number of isolates from the Pacific NW outbreak. The strains from these outbreaks, known as VGIIa and VGIIc, were found to be genetically related and are more virulent than typical strains of C. gatti. In addition, they found that the outbreak is expanding, and the diversity of hosts infected is increasing, affecting a range of mammals in urban and rural areas. The rising incidence of cryptococcosis in humans and animals in this region indicates the need for increased awareness. While still rare, it is unclear why certain humans and animals become infected (i.e. what are the risk factors?). Expansion of the outbreak into California is plausible. The precise origin of these more virulent strains remains unclear. [VT]

Related articles:
MacDougall L, Kidd S, Galanis E et al: Spread of Cryptococcus gattii in British Columbia, Canada and detection in the Pacific Northwest, USA, Emerg Infect Dis 13:42, 2007.

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation library
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Byrnes EJ, III, Li W, Lewit Y et al: Emergence and pathogenicity of highly virulent Cryptococcus gattii genotypes in the northwest United States, PLoS Pathog 6:e1000850, 2010.

The fungus Cryptococcus gatti has the potential to cause life-threatening illness in humans and animals. It is the most common systemic fungus infecting cats. In the last decade, C gatti has emerged as an important pathogen in northwestern North America, including Canada and the US. Normally it is found associated with Eucalyptus trees in tropical and subtropical regions. The emergence of this pathogen in temperate climates may indicate an expansion of its ecological niche. Genetic analysis of this pathogen, as for many others, provides important epidemiologic information. These researchers genetically characterized a number of isolates from the Pacific NW outbreak. The strains from these outbreaks, known as VGIIa and VGIIc, were found to be genetically related and are more virulent than typical strains of C. gatti. In addition, they found that the outbreak is expanding, and the diversity of hosts infected is increasing, affecting a range of mammals in urban and rural areas. The rising incidence of cryptococcosis in humans and animals in this region indicates the need for increased awareness. While still rare, it is unclear why certain humans and animals become infected (i.e. what are the risk factors?). Expansion of the outbreak into California is plausible. The precise origin of these more virulent strains remains unclear. [VT]

Related articles:
MacDougall L, Kidd S, Galanis E et al: Spread of Cryptococcus gattii in British Columbia, Canada and detection in the Pacific Northwest, USA, Emerg Infect Dis 13:42, 2007.

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation library
Join us on Facebook
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