Abstract
Cryptococcosis is widely reported in North America and Australia but considered rare in the UK. Disease is mainly caused by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii and affects animals and humans. Cases of cryptococcosis have been described in non-human primates, including a few in the Callitrichidae family. Six captive callitrichids from five zoological facilities in the UK were diagnosed with cryptococcosis on post-mortem examination over a 13-year period. Histological examination revealed intralesional yeast bodies consistent with Cryptococcus spp in lung, brain, lymph nodes, larynx, salivary gland and ears. C. neoformans was confirmed in two cases by culture and by culture and polymerase chain reaction (28S rRNA gene), respectively. This case series is the first report of Cryptococcus spp in captive callitrichids in the UK and reinforces the need to include this fungal disease in the differential diagnosis of sick callitrichids in zoo settings.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.