Ulcerative skin mass from cryptococcosis in African parrot

Abstract

Cryptococcosis is predominantly a systemic mycosis caused by an encapsulated yeast‐like fungus with worldwide distribution. There are several species of the genus Cryptococcus; however, C. neoformans is the most frequently reported species causing disease in people as well as in domestic and wild animals. This organism is most commonly isolated from soil contaminated with pigeon droppings. The cutaneous presentation is very rare in dogs and cats compared to the more common respiratory, central nervous system and ocular forms. To the author's knowledge, dermal cryptococcosis in avian species has not been reported. A 1‐year‐old female African parrot presented with a 3.0 cm diameter ulcerative mass located at the left distal phalange wing of 6 months duration. It was removed by surgery; however, due to local infiltration, it could not be excised completely. The sample was processed for dermatopathological examination and stained with H&E. In addition, a swab was taken for culture. Histopathologically, the epidermis was ulcerated with many free round‐to‐oval organisms measuring 6–12 μm that stained faintly pale and eosinophilic, and were surrounded by a clear halo. Throughout the dermis, multiple granulomas were seen with identical microorganisms in addition to macrophages and granulocytes. Microorganisms stained positive with Gomori methenamine silver and PAS. Cryptococcal‐like organisms with clear halos against a black background were seen in an India ink preparation from the swab material. The sample was cultured on Sabouraud's agar and identified as Cryptococcus neoformans. Funding: Self‐funded.