Cryptococcosis

Abstract

Cryptococcosis is particularly common in cats but has also been reported in almost all domesticated animals. The infection has been reported several times in South American camelids but only once in a dromedary camel in Saudi Arabia. Cryptococcosis in camelids is caused by Cryptococcus neoformans and C. gattii. Tissue reactions in cryptococcus infection depend on the organ affected and comprise two basic histological patterns: gelatinous and granulomatous. The latter reaction consists of histiocyte, giant cell, and lymphocyte infiltration, modified by secondary bacterial infection. Initial diagnosis of cryptococcosis is based on direct microscopic examination of stained preparations, while definitive diagnosis is confirmed by cultural methods.