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Spinal cryptococcoma in an immunocompetent cat
S Belluco1, J L Thibaud, J Guillot
1Unité d'Anatomie-Pathologique, UMR 703 INRA/ENVN, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Nantes, France.
Journal of Comparative Pathology
|September 12, 2008
Summary
A rare spinal cord fungal infection, cryptococcoma, occurred in an immunocompetent cat. This case highlights Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii as a potential pathogen in feline neurological disease.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Neurology
- Mycology
- Immunology
Background:
- Primary spinal cord fungal infections are rare, especially in immunocompetent animals.
- Cryptococcosis is caused by Cryptococcus neoformans, a yeast often associated with birds.
Observation:
- An 11-year-old immunocompetent cat presented with progressive paralysis.
- Diagnostic workup ruled out common feline infectious diseases.
- Necropsy revealed a spinal cord lesion with granulomatous inflammation and yeast cells.
Findings:
- Histopathology confirmed severe granulomatous inflammation and encapsulated yeast cells within the spinal cord lesion.
- Immunohistochemistry identified the yeast as Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii.
- Microscopic findings included necrosis, digestion chambers, Gitter cells, spheroids, and lymphocytic perivascular cuffs.
Implications:
- This case expands the understanding of Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii pathogenicity in felines.
- It underscores the importance of considering fungal infections in feline neurological cases, even in immunocompetent individuals.
- The pigeon-rich environment suggests a potential source of exposure.
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