Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2026
10:02
Visualizing Non-lytic Exocytosis of Cryptococcus neoformans from Macrophages Using Digital Light Microscopy
Published on: October 21, 2014
Detection of Cryptococcus neoformans in bird excreta
Suphan Soogarun1, Viroj Wiwanitkit, Attakorn Palasuwan
1Department of Clinical Microscopy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
The Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health
|November 24, 2006
Summary
Cryptococcus neoformans was found in pigeon droppings in Bangkok. This fungus can cause infections, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems, highlighting environmental risks.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Environmental Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Cryptococcus neoformans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen.
- Bird excreta are known reservoirs for Cryptococcus neoformans.
- Environmental surveillance is crucial for understanding fungal pathogen distribution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of Cryptococcus neoformans in bird excreta in Bangkok.
- To characterize the isolated Cryptococcus neoformans strains for specific enzymes and capsule production.
Main Methods:
- Samples of bird excreta from various bird species were collected in Bangkok.
- Direct plating and incubation at 37°C were used to isolate Cryptococcus neoformans.
- Indian ink preparations assessed capsule production.
- Urease and phenoloxidase enzyme activities were tested.
Main Results:
- Cryptococcus neoformans var. neoformans was isolated from 9.09% of pigeon excreta samples.
- The study identified specific enzymatic and capsular characteristics of the isolates.
Conclusions:
- Pigeon excreta in Bangkok serve as a potential source for Cryptococcus neoformans transmission.
- Individuals with compromised immunity are at risk of contracting cryptococcosis from environmental exposure.
