Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cryptococcosis in cats prevention and treatment guidelines
By Pennisi, Maria Grazia et al.·Published in Journal of feline medicine and surgery·2013·European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases. pennipet@unime.it·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Cryptococcosis in cats: ABCD guidelines on prevention and management.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A cat with cryptococcosis, a serious fungal infection, can show various symptoms like nasal discharge, skin nodules, or neurological issues. This infection is often picked up from contaminated environments, especially areas with pigeon droppings. Diagnosis is typically made through a simple antigen test in body fluids, and treatment usually involves antifungal medications such as fluconazole or itraconazole, sometimes combined with surgery to remove any affected tissue. With early diagnosis and consistent treatment, most cats can recover well from this infection.
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Abstract
OVERVIEW: Cryptococcosis is worldwide the most common systemic fungal disease in cats; it is caused by the Cryptococcus neoformans- Cryptococcus gattii species complex, which includes eight genotypes and some subtypes (strains) with varying geographical distribution, pathogenicity and antimicrobial susceptibility. Cats acquire the infection from a contaminated environment. The prognosis is favourable in most cases, provided a diagnosis is obtained sufficiently early and prolonged treatment is maintained. INFECTION: Basidiospores are the infectious propagules of Cryptococcus species as they penetrate the respiratory system and induce primary infection. Asymptomatic colonisation of the respiratory tract is more common than clinical disease. Avian guanos, particularly pigeon droppings, offer favourable conditions for the reproduction of C neoformans. Both Cryptococcus species are associated with decaying vegetation. DISEASE SIGNS: Cryptococcosis caused by C neoformans or C gattii is indistinguishable clinically. The disease can present in nasal, central nervous system (which can derive from the nasal form or occur independently), cutaneous and systemic forms. DIAGNOSIS: An easy and reliable test for cryptococcosis diagnosis is antigen detection in body fluids. Only isolation and polymerase chain reaction allow identification of the species genotype. DISEASE MANAGEMENT: Amphotericin B, ketoconazole, fluconazole and itraconazole have all been used to treat cats. Surgical excision of any nodules in the skin, nasal or oral mucosa assists recovery. Continued treatment is recommended until the antigen test is negative. PREVENTION: Efficient preventive measures have not been demonstrated. Vaccines are not available.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23813826/