Fundamental niche prediction of the pathogenic yeasts Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii in Europe

Abstract

Fundamental niche prediction of Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii in Europe is an important tool to understand where these pathogenic yeasts have a high probability to survive in the environment and therefore to identify the areas with high risk of infection. In this study, occurrence data for C. neoformans and C. gattii were compared by MaxEnt software with several bioclimatic conditions as well as with soil characteristics and land use. The results showed that C. gattii distribution can be predicted with high probability along the Mediterranean coast. The analysis of variables showed that its distribution is limited by low temperatures during the coldest season, and by heavy precipitations in the driest season. C. neoformans var. grubii is able to colonize the same areas of C. gattii but is more tolerant to cold winter temperatures and summer precipitations. In contrast, the C. neoformans var. neoformans map was completely different. The best conditions for its survival were displayed in sub-continental areas and not along the Mediterranean coasts. In conclusion, we produced for the first time detailed prediction maps of the species and varieties of the C. neoformans and C. gattii species complex in Europe and Mediterranean area.

Hospitalisations for mycoses as an indicator of socio‐environmental vulnerability in the Brazilian Amazon‐Savanna transition region

“…Climatic variables, such as precipitation and temperature, are known to affect the incidence of coccidioidomycosis . The distribution of Cryptococcus gattii in Europe is limited by low temperatures during winter and heavy rainfall in the driest season, while Cryptococcus neoformans was more tolerant to low winter temperatures and summer precipitation, confirming the importance of precipitation and minimum temperature as climatic variables in the modulation of mycoses . It is important to emphasise that cryptococcosis is the main cause of HM in Brazil, and this disease is endemic in the Northeast region of Brazil .…”

“…33 Our data support several studies that affirm the strong influence of rain on the incidence of mycoses. 6,7,14,30,31,34,35 Climatic variables, such as precipitation and temperature, are known to affect the incidence of coccidioidomycosis. 34 The distribution of…”

Isolation of Cryptococcus species from the external environments of hospital and academic areas

“…al. [1] promoted a detailed forecast of the ecological niche for species of the genus Cryptococcus, which justifies the importance of establishing interdisciplinary actions with the purpose of understanding the risk that these yeast present to humans and to enumerate assertive and preventive actions.…”

“…The fungi of the genus Cryptococcus are found in the environment, widely distributed in nature around the world, and some species are of great importance as pathogens for humans and animals. The propagules of these fungi can be inhaled and cause lung and neurological infections, which can be fatal [1]. Infections caused by Cryptococcus species, called cryptococcosis, are among the most important opportunistic fungal diseases affecting man [2].…”

Expansion of the Emerging Fungal Pathogen Cryptococcus bacillisporus Into America: Linking Phylogenetic Origin, Geographical Spread and Population Under Exposure Risk

“…The similar climate conditions between Chile’s Mediterranean zone and California suggests a potential dispersal of the pathogen favored by similar climatic conditions and hence possible environmental suitability. Previous studies have identified the spatial distribution of C. neoformans and C. gattii species complex distributions in Europe through the ecological niche modeling of their bioclimatic conditions suitable for their survival ( Cogliati et al, 2017 ; Alaniz et al, 2020 ), methodology that has also been succesfully applied to other recent global infectious diseases ( Alaniz et al, 2017 , 2018 ). Considering the latter, the aim of this study is to analyze: (i) the geographical and phylogenetic origin of the sample; (ii) the potential geographical spread in this new area; and (iii) the population exposed to the risk.…”