Meningoencefalomielitis por Cryptococcus spp. en felino

Abstract

Cryptococcosis is a systemic mycosis caused by encapsulated yeasts from the gender Cryptococcus. It mainly affects the nasal cavity, adjacent tissue and lungs, and can spread to the central nervous system, eyes and skin, causing meningoencephalomyelitis. It can be noninfectious or infectious via yeasts and bacteria, and felines are the most prevalent when infected by the Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) or Feline Infectious Peritonits (FIP). The neurological signs of infection by criptococcus could be convulsion, depression, disorientation, ataxia, paralysis of the pelvic limbs, mydriasis and blindness. For diagnosis, the neurological exam is indispensable, and must be combined with the general full body physical exam, with the intention to find the injury. The aim of this study is to report the case of a cat, 10 months old, with meningoencephalomyelitis by Cryptococcus spp. The animal presented the clinical signs of abrupt change in behavior, excessive fear, lack of appetite and progressive weight loss. Methadone was administrated for the pain, used gabapentin that changed for pregabalin. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis and MRI were performed to assist in the diagnosis. However, false negatives can occur, which may consequently hinder adequate treatment. In this report, diagnostic conclusion occurred post-mortem. Thus, the patient lacked the adequate treatment to stabilize in life.