Cryptococcus neoformans is an opportunistic pathogenic yeast that causes
meningoencephalitis and deep skin dermatitis in humans and animals. A hygienic strategy
using disinfectants on environmental samples can reduce the risk to the public. The
objectives were to survey the distribution of C. neoformans in pigeon
fecal droppings collected in 11 districts in Bangkok during 2011–2012 and to evaluate the
efficacy of three commercial disinfectant products (based on potassium monopersulfate,
sodium hypochlorite and quaternary ammonium compounds, respectively). These were evaluated
against pure C. neoformans and yeasts resuspended in sterile pigeon feces
using the dilution-neutralization method [Europäische NORM (EN) 1656]. In total, 18 of 164
(11%) samples were positive for C. neoformans. These came from only three
of the 11 districts, with a prevalence of between 13–56%. Using multiplex PCR, serotype A
was the sole group found. For all disinfectants, C. neoformans mixed in
feces was tolerated at a higher dose and time exposure than pure isolates. The most
effective disinfectant in this study was a 0.12% quaternary ammonium compound that could
rapidly eradicate the yeasts mixed in feces. This finding highlights the occurrence and
distribution of C. neoformans in the capital city of Thailand and the
need to prolong the duration of exposure to disinfectants with pigeon feces.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.