Study of Cryptococcus neoformans from nasal mucosal secretions in domestic cats by molecular and microbiological methods

Cryptococcosis is usually a subacute or chronic infection in nature and Cryptococcus neoformans is the cause of this infection.This yeast is found in bird droppings and can be transmitted through dust and inhalation. People with immunodeficiency disorders are at high risk for this infection. In this study, samples were collected from nasal mucosa of domestic cats. The suspension was prepared samples cultured in S, Sc and BHI media and incubated at and °C. After hours, we assessed sample by using Chinese Cotton Blue stain solution. Afterwards, samples were identified by using sugar fermentation tests, urea hydrolysis and germ tube formation. We examined suspected colonies of Cryptococcus neoformans by PCR. The results shown a variety of filamentous fungi such as Penicillium, Aspergillus, Alternaria, Scopulariopsis, Mucor, Rhizopus and yeasts such as Rhodotorula, Candida albicans, Candida Sp, Pachia were isolated and Cryptococcus neoformans were not isolated. Molecular tests of suspected samples of Cryptococcus were negative, The reason of this results could be personal hygiene in the case of domestic cats, keeping them indoor and not have contact with other animals and outdoor environments.