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Cryptococcosis in cats: ABCD guidelines on prevention and management
Maria Grazia Pennisi1, Katrin Hartmann, Albert Lloret
1European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases. pennipet@unime.it
Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery
|July 2, 2013
Summary
Cryptococcosis, a common fungal disease in cats caused by Cryptococcus species, is treatable with early diagnosis and prolonged therapy. Prevention strategies and vaccines are currently unavailable.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Mycology
- Feline Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Cryptococcosis is the most prevalent systemic fungal infection in cats globally, caused by the Cryptococcus neoformans- Cryptococcus gattii species complex.
- Cats contract the infection from environmental sources, with pigeon droppings and decaying vegetation serving as common reservoirs.
- Infection often begins with asymptomatic respiratory colonization via infectious basidiospores.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of cryptococcosis in cats, covering its causes, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
- To highlight the importance of early diagnosis and sustained treatment for a favorable prognosis in feline cryptococcosis.
Main Methods:
- Clinical presentation of cryptococcosis in cats, including nasal, central nervous system, cutaneous, and systemic forms.
- Diagnostic approaches utilizing antigen detection in body fluids, with species and genotype identification via isolation and polymerase chain reaction.
- Therapeutic strategies involving antifungal medications (Amphotericin B, ketoconazole, fluconazole, itraconazole) and surgical excision of lesions.
Main Results:
- Clinical signs of cryptococcosis in cats are indistinguishable between C. neoformans and C. gattii.
- Antigen detection offers a reliable and accessible diagnostic method for feline cryptococcosis.
- Treatment success is contingent upon early diagnosis and prolonged administration of antifungal agents until antigen test negativity.
Conclusions:
- Currently, no effective preventive measures or vaccines exist for feline cryptococcosis.
- Prompt diagnosis and consistent, long-term treatment are crucial for improving patient outcomes.
- Environmental contamination remains the primary route of infection for cats.
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