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Isolation, molecular identification, and phylogenetic evaluation of Cryptococcus neoformans isolated from pigeon
Seyyed Saed Mirpourian1, Neda Sharifi1, Forough Talazadeh1
1Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran.
Abstract:
Cryptococcus neoformans, the main pathogen in immunocompromised patients, is a ubiquitous free-living fungus that can be isolated from avian excreta, soils, and plant material. This study was carried out to determine the infection rate of pigeon lofts, Passeriformes, and Psittaciformes in Ahvaz, the capital of Khuzestan province in Iran and to determine varieties of Cryptococcus neoformans (C. neoformans). The 80 samples were collected from pigeon lofts. Also, 163 feces of captive birds (Passeriformes and Psittaciformes) which kept in Ahvaz pet shops, and the 70 cloacal swabs of pet birds (Passeriformes and psittaciformes) referring to the department of avian medicine (the faculty of veterinary medicine of Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz) were analyzed. The samples were directly inoculated on niger seed agar (NSA) and also enriched in brain heart infusion broth and then inoculated on NSA. Dark brown colonies suspected to C. neoformans subcultured on saborouds dextrose agar and pure cultures subjected to molecular (polymerase chain reaction (PCR)) diagnosis. For detection of C. neoformans, primer sets that targeting the CNLAC1 gene were selected and nested PCR was conducted. For identification of C. neoformans varieties, a primer set targeting the STR1 gene was selected. For more accurate confirmation, the purified PCR products of some isolates were also sequenced, and based on the gene sequences, all of the isolates belonged to C. neoformans variety grubii (var. grubii)(serotype A). Totally 16 out of 80 pigeon samples (20%) were contaminated with C. neoformans. The results in pigeons disclosed a 98.64% identity when compared with other strains of C. neoformans (CN1525, T4, and T1) which were previously deposited in GenBank from Italy and Thailand. Also, 21 out of 233 samples from Psittaciformes (9.01%) were contaminated with C. neoformans. The results in Psittaciformes disclosed a 99.7% identity when compared with other strains of C. neoformans (TIMM1313, IFM5882, CN1525, etc.) which were previously deposited in GenBank from Japan and Italy, etc. In the present study, the samples belonging to the passerine order were free of C. neoformans infection. According to the results, C. neoformans is prevalent in pigeon flocks and pet birds including Psittaciformes in the Ahvaz area, and should be considered by pigeon and captive bird breeders, veterinarians, and public health organizations in Ahvaz. The cryptococcus species isolated from captive birds and pigeons could be potential pathogens in humans.
Insights
Cryptococcus neoformans, a fungus causing infections in immunocompromised individuals, was found in 20% of pigeon samples and 9.01% of Psittaciformes birds in Ahvaz, Iran. All identified strains belonged to Cryptococcus neoformans variety grubii.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Veterinary Mycology
- Public Health Microbiology
Background:
- Cryptococcus neoformans is a significant fungal pathogen, particularly affecting immunocompromised populations.
- This ubiquitous fungus is commonly found in avian environments, posing a potential zoonotic risk.
- Previous studies have highlighted the presence of Cryptococcus neoformans in various avian species globally.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and identify the varieties of Cryptococcus neoformans in pigeon lofts and captive birds (Passeriformes and Psittaciformes) in Ahvaz, Iran.
- To assess the potential public health implications of Cryptococcus neoformans isolates from avian sources.
- To provide molecular data on Cryptococcus neoformans strains circulating in the region.
Main Methods:
- Sample collection from 80 pigeon lofts, 163 feces of captive birds, and 70 cloacal swabs of pet birds in Ahvaz.
- Isolation and culture on niger seed agar (NSA) and saborouds dextrose agar.
- Molecular identification using nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the CNLAC1 gene and variety identification using the STR1 gene, with sequencing for confirmation.
Main Results:
- Cryptococcus neoformans was detected in 16 out of 80 pigeon samples (20%) and 21 out of 233 samples from Psittaciformes (9.01%).
- No Cryptococcus neoformans infection was found in the studied Passeriformes samples.
- All identified isolates belonged to Cryptococcus neoformans variety grubii (serotype A), showing high genetic similarity to previously reported strains.
Conclusions:
- Cryptococcus neoformans is prevalent in pigeon flocks and Psittaciformes pet birds in Ahvaz, Iran.
- The findings underscore the importance of monitoring avian populations for Cryptococcus neoformans to mitigate public health risks.
- Veterinarians, breeders, and public health officials should be aware of the presence of this fungal pathogen in local avian populations.
