Pathological findings in a cat with cryptococcosis and feline immunodeficiency virus infection

This report describes the gross, histopathological, immunocytochemical and electron microscopic findings in a cat with systemic cryptococcosis and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection. Lymphadenopathy and cloudiness of leptomeninges were the major gross findings. Numerous cryptococcal yeasts were found in lymph nodes, brain, and lung, and were less common in the kidney and the eye. The inflammatory reaction varied in intensity and cell type (mononuclear through granulomatous) depending on the organ involved. Yeasts were mainly within phagocytes as revealed by electron microscopy. Some inflammatory cells were immunocytochemically-stained with anti-CD3 antibodies.