Isolation ofCryptococcus neoformansvar.grubii(serotype A) from Pigeon Droppings in Korea

Abstract

Three hundred and sixty five samples of avian droppings, collected from parks and zoo, were investigated for the occurrence of Cryptococcus neoformans in Korea. Thirteen samples were positive for C. neoformans. All isolates were obtained from withered pigeon droppings. Identification and serotyping of isolates were determined by means of serological test and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) fingerprinting. All isolates belonged to C. neoformans var. grubbi (serotype A). KEYWORDS: Cryptococcus neoformans, Pigeon droppings, Serotype ACryptococcus neoformans is an encapsulated, basidiomycetous yeast-like fungus that can cause meningoencephalitis in immunocompromised individuals, particularly AIDS patients (Mattsson et al., 1999). Individual is thought to be infected by inhalation of airborne fungal cell from environmental sources (Ellis and Pfeiffer, 1990).On the basis of the antigenic composition of its polysaccharide capsule and biochemical differences, C. neoformans has been subdivided into three varieties with 4 serotypes: C. neoformans var. grubii (serotype A), C. neoformans var. neoformans (serotype D), and C. neoformans var. gatti (serotype B and C) (Franzot et al., 1999;Wilson et al., 1968). Former two varieties have a worldwide distribution, whereas C. neoformans var. gatti is restricted to tropical and subtropical areas (Bennett et al., 1977;Kohno et al., 1994). In pathogenicity, it has been reported that C. neoformans serotype A and D are the causative agents of cryptococcosis in immunocompromised or AIDS patients while C. neoformans var. gatti is associated with the infection of individual with normal immune status (Speed and Dunt, 1995). Serotype A is the predominant majority of clinical isolates of C. neoformans throughout the world, whereas serotype D is prevalent in some geographic areas (Criseo and Gallo, 1997;Dromer et al., 1996;Steenbergen and Casadevall, 2000;Tortorano et al., 1997). In terms of ecological distribution of C. neoformans, C. neoforamns var gatti has been isolated from Eucalyptus in tropical areas whereas C. neoformans var. grubii and var. neoformans have been found in a variety of environmental sources such as avian droppings, soil, fruits, and vegetables (Emmons, 1995;Hsu et al., 1994;Lopez-Martinez and Castanon-Olivares, 1995). In several countries, avian droppings, especially pigeon droppings, have been considered to be the major environmental source of C. neoformans serotype A and D (Kielstein et al., 2000;Mahmoud, 1999;Yimtubezenash et al., 2001). The reason for the high occurrence of C. neoformans in avian excreta is believed to be due to a utilization of nitrogenous compounds such as uric acid and creatinine in excreta (Lattman and Walter, 1968). In Korea, the distribution of serotype of the C. neoformans has not been previously reported. In this study we examined the occurrence and serotypes of C. neoformans in avian droppings. Materials and MethodsA total of 365 samples including 275 pigeon droppings and 90 zoo bird droppings were collected from parks and zoo in Korea (Tab...

Occurrence and susceptibilities to disinfectants of <i>Cryptococcus neoformans</i> in fecal droppings from pigeons in Bangkok, Thailand

“…Genetic similarities recently have been shown between isolates from animal sources and human patients in Thailand [ 6 ]. This study strongly confirmed that dried droppings are more likely to contain yeast spores than fresh droppings [ 2 ]. The incidence of C. neoformans in the environment previously has been reported to depend on abiotic components, including the presence of protein, carbohydrate and creatinine, and physical conditions including light, temperature and moisture [ 4 , 15 , 17 ].…”

“…Temples and public parks were prioritized areas due to their high density of pigeon flocks that were likely to represent the highest risk of contamination to the public. Overall, the occurrence of C. neoformans (11%) was at a lower percentage than reports for Chiang Mai, Thailand (16.4–45%), Seoul, Korea (25%) and Grand Canary Island (24.45%) [ 2 , 21 , 25 ]. In Bangkok, the distribution was focal, and of the three positive districts, the rate was substantially higher in Nongkhaem (9/16, 56.2%) and Latphrao (7/16, 43.7%) than in Khlongtoei (2/15, 13.3%).…”

“…Previously, serotype A was the most common group found in Bangkok as well as in Seoul, Korea [ 2 ], but only one human clinical isolate in Chiang Mai was serotype AD [ 25 ]. Genetic similarities recently have been shown between isolates from animal sources and human patients in Thailand [ 6 ].…”

Cryptococcus albidus var. albidus Isolated from Turquoise-Fronted Parrots (Amazona aestiva: Psittacidae) Kept in Captivity: A Probable Reservoir Ecological of Fungal Specimen

“…It is possible to verify that several studies evidencing the importance of bird dropping as a suitable substrate for the growth of yeasts and filamentous fungi [8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15]. Birds easily conduct the agent in the environment through its feces and become a zoonotic problem due to its proximity with the humans, explained by the fact that it is a peridomestic animal.…”

Prevalence of the VNIc genotype of Cryptococcus neoformans in non-HIV-associated cryptococcosis in the Republic of Korea

“…However, the molecular epidemiology of the C. neoformans / C. gattii species complex has not been investigated and little is known about the association between HIV infection and cryptococcosis in the Republic of Korea. Only one clinical study (Woo, 2008) and one environmental study (Chee & Lee, 2005) has been conducted, but molecular types of the cryptococcal isolates have not been determined. A study by Woo (2008), which focused only on non‐HIV cryptococcosis cases, indicated that, unlike in China, nearly 60% of the Korean patients had serious underlying conditions.…”