Isolation of human fungi from soil and identification of two endemic areas of Cryptococcus neoformans and Coccidioides immitis

Abstract

The present study was carried out in two different areas of Province of Cordoba, Argentina, where there was a suspicious of endemic mycosis. The previous data were the presence of a clinical case of pulmonary cryptococcosis in one area (Alta Gracia) and the previous findings of a high incidence of coccidioidin and cryptococcin reactors in the population of the second one (Villa Dolores). In both areas soil samples for fungi were studied and Cryptococcus neoformans was found in 2/25 samples from Alta Gracia. In Villa Dolores Coccidioides immitis was isolated in 2/40 samples, and C. neoformans in 1/40 samples. Delayed hypersensitivity test with cryptococcin was determined in the population from Alta Gracia and it was found to be 5.3%. Positive cutaneous tests with coccidioidin (33.8%) and cryptococcin (31.9%) in Villa Dolores were obtained. With these findings two endemic areas of systemic mycoses in Cordoba, Argentina were delimited.

Cryptococcosis in the era of AIDS--100 years after the discovery of Cryptococcus neoformans

“…The actual frequency of subclinical infection is unknown because a skin test antigen with which to assess exposure is not available and the primary pulmonary infection does not usually leave marked residua, such as cavities or calcifications. The few reports of human skin testing with experimental antigens or measuring antibodies in healthy persons have indicated a variable level of reactivity and exposure to C. neoformans (23,323,430). Antibody levels are higher in sera from pigeon breeders (155).…”