Feline Cryptococcosis: Two Case Reports and a Literature Review

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Mycology
• Feline Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Cryptococcosis is a severe systemic mycosis caused by *Cryptococcus neoformans*/*Cryptococcus gattii*.
• It's the most common systemic fungal infection in cats, with diverse clinical signs.
• Early diagnosis and treatment are vital for successful management and One Health considerations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present two feline cases of cryptococcosis diagnosed via cytological examination.
• To review the literature on feline cryptococcosis.
• To highlight the diagnostic utility of cytology in differentiating fungal infections from neoplastic processes in cats.

Main Methods:

• Fine-needle aspiration biopsies were performed on two cats with chronic nasal swelling and submandibular enlargement.
• Cytological smears were stained with hematoxylin and eosin.
• Microscopic examination identified yeast-like organisms consistent with *Cryptococcus* spp.

Main Results:

• Cytological findings revealed characteristic yeast with thick capsules, consistent with *Cryptococcus* spp.
• Both cats were treated with oral itraconazole based on cytological diagnoses.
• Favorable clinical outcomes were achieved in both cases.

Conclusions:

• Cytology is a valuable and rapid diagnostic tool for feline cryptococcosis.
• Early diagnosis and antifungal therapy improve clinical outcomes.
• Feline cryptococcosis cases may indicate shared environmental exposure risks relevant to One Health.