Avian Droppings Research Articles

Persistence of pesticide residues in weathered avian droppings

Avian droppings (combination of fecal matter and urates) provide a non-lethal and non-invasive matrix for measuring pesticide exposures. In the field, droppings may be collected days or weeks after excretion and the persistence of pesticide residues in weathered droppings is not known. Thus, we studied the effects of weathering on pesticide residues in droppings. Domestic chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) hens were used as a representative species for Order Galliformes. We collected droppings from hens before they were exposed to the pesticides (reference or pre-dose droppings ). Thereafter, the hens were orally administered encapsulated wheat seeds coated with Raxil® PRO Shield (containing the active ingredients imidacloprid, prothioconazole, metalaxyl, and tebuconazole) for consecutive 7 days. During this time, their droppings were collected on days 3, 5, and 8 from the start of the exposure period (post-dose droppings ). The pre-dose and post-dose droppings were weathered for up to 30 days in autumn and spring in shrubsteppe habitat. Droppings were analyzed using HPLC coupled to triple quad LC/MS for parent compound and metabolite residues. No pesticide or its metabolite residues were detected in the weathered reference droppings. No parent pesticide compounds were detected in weathered post-dose droppings but imidacloprid metabolites, imidacloprid-5-hydroxy and imidacloprid-olefin, and the prothioconazole metabolite, desthio-prothioconazole, were detected in all post-dose weathered samples from both seasons. The active ingredients metalaxyl and tebuconazole and their metabolites were not detected in any of the samples. Our results suggest that, depending on the pesticide, its concentration, and the environmental conditions, residues of some pesticides can be detected in droppings weathered for at least 30 days. Knowledge of pesticide persistence in weathered droppings can help refine the quality and quantity of fecal samples that are collected for monitoring pesticide exposures to birds.

Molecular characterization of clinical and environmental isolates from the Cryptococcus neoformans/C. Gattii species complexes of Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil.

Cryptococcosis is one of the major life-threatening opportunistic/systemic fungal diseases of worldwide occurrence, which can be asymptomatic or establish pneumonia and meningoencephalitis mainly in immunosuppressed patients, caused by the Cryptococcus neoformans and C. gattii species complexes. Acquisition is by inhaling fungal propagules from avian droppings, tree hollows and decaying wood, and the association of the molecular types with geographic origin, virulence and antifungal resistance have epidemiological importance. Since data on cryptococcosis in Alagoas are limited, we sought to determine the molecular types of etiological agents collected from clinical and environmental sources. We evaluated 21 isolates previously collected from cerebrospinal fluid and from environment sources (pigeon droppings and tree hollows) in Maceió-Alagoas (Brazil). Restriction fragment length polymorphism of URA5 gene was performed to characterize among the eight standard molecular types (VNI-VNIV and VGI-VGIV). Among isolates, 66.67% (14) were assigned to C. neoformans VNI - 12 of them (12/14) recovered from liquor and 2 from a tree hollow (2/14). One isolate from pigeon droppings (4.76%) corresponded to C. neoformans VNIV, while five strains from tree hollows and one from pigeon droppings (6, 28.57%) to C. gattii VGII. VNI-type was present in clinical and environmental samples and most C. neoformans infections were observed in HIV-positive patients, while types VNIV and VGII were prevalent in environmental sources in Alagoas. This is the first molecular characterization of Cryptococcus spp. in Alagoas, our study provides additional information on the ecoepidemiology of Cryptococcus spp. in Brazil, contributing to a closer view of the endemic species.

Cryptococcus neoformans and cryptococcosis: a contribution made by Prof. Dr. Mahendra Pal

Mycotic infections are reported to occur in both sexes, all age groups, in all seasons, and in urban and rural areas of the world. The people with weakened immune systems are more likely to get an infection due to fungi, which are widely prevalent in our environment. Cryptococcosis primarily caused by Cryptococcus neoformans is a life-threatening enigmatic mycosis of global importance. It is estimated that 1000000 cases of cryptococcal meningitis complicating HIV/AIDS are reported every year worldwide. Disease has been encountered in humans as well as in a variety of animals including cats and dogs. The source of infection is exogenous, as the fungus occurs as a saprophyte in nature. Currently, the pigeon excreta serve as the chief saprobic reservoir of C. neoformans. Human as well as animals may acquire the infection from the environment where the fungus grows luxuriantly. The respiratory tract is recognized as the principal mode of entry of the organism. The pathogen can also enter through the fungal contaminated objects via traumatized skin. Clinical spectrum of disease is varied, as manifested with several forms, such as pulmonary, meningeal, visceral, osseous, and cutaneous. The laboratory help is imperative to confirm an unequivocal diagnosis of cryptococcosis. The pathogen can be easily isolated from the clinical specimens of the patients on Pal sunflower seed medium. Modified Pal sunflower seed can be employed to undertake the sexual compatibility studies of Cr. neoformans. Several drugs including amphotericin B, fluconazole, and itraconazole have been recommended for the treatment of disease. The immediate attention to the skin injury and use of face mask when dealing with avian droppings can help in the prevention of infection.

Verification of accuracy of qPCR method for intravital diagnostics of Macrorhabdus ornithogaster in avian droppings

The objective of this study was to verify the accuracy of the quantitative PCR (qPCR) method for in vivo detection of Macrorhabdus ornithogaster. A total of 100 faecal and gastric mucosa samples from avian cadavers were investigated, using cytological and qPCR techniques (budgerigars, Fischer’s lovebirds, red-crowned parakeets, scarlet-chested parrots, eastern rosellas, domestic canaries, zebra finches, white Java sparrow). Using qPCR, the probability of detecting positive samples of droppings was significantly higher than in the faecal smear microscopy (P < 0.01). Cytology detected the presence of Macrorhabdus ornithogaster in 34 faecal samples, whereas qPCR detected 54 positive samples. In all 46 qPCR negative faecal samples, gastric smear qPCR was performed and also yielded negative results. Gastric smear qPCR was also performed in 20 cadavers where faecal qPCR has detected the presence of Macrorhabdus ornithogaster and in all samples confirmed the positive result. This verifies the accuracy of faecal sample qPCR for intravital diagnostics. Overall, the faecal qPCR technique appears to be extremely reliable, as it made it possible to detect all infected individuals, including those with negative stool or gastric cytology.

Histoplasmosis: An Important Mycosis of Public Health Significance

Histoplasmosis, a highly infectious fungal disease of public health concern, is caused by Histoplasma capsulatum var. capsulatum, a dimorphic fungus that occurs in mycelial and yeast form. The respiratory tract is recognized as the primary site of H. capsulatum var.capsulatum and the infection is acquired by inhalation of fungal spores from the saprobic environment. Disease can occur in sporadic as well as in epidemic form causing morbidity and mortality in susceptible individuals. Sporadic cases of histoplasmosis are reported from over 60 countries of the world including India. In USA, 25,000 cases of histoplasmosis are diagnosed every year. Certain groups of people who are associated with the soil related activities are at greater risk for developing the severe forms of disease. The fungus has the potential to infect every organ of the body including the skin, lung, brain, eye, adrenal gland, heart, liver, spleen, nose, gastrointestinal tract etc. The infection remains asymptomatic in over 90% of cases. The clinical presentation is varied and the affected person shows fever, headache, dry cough, dyspnea, chest pain, profuse sweating, lymphadenopathy, lesions in the mouth and skin etc. histoplasmosis in immune compromised patients, especially suffering from AIDS has poor prognosis. Mycological, immunological, and molecular techniques are employed to confirm an unequivocal diagnosis of disease. However, the isolation of H. capsulatum var. capsulatum from the clinical specimens still considered the gold standard of diagnosis. Antifungal drugs like liposomal amphotericin B and itraconazole are recommended for the management of disease. The disseminated histoplasmosis can be fatal if left untreated. It is imperative that immune compromised persons must avoid visiting the heavily contaminated sites that are inhabited by bats excreta and avian droppings

Prevalence of Cryptococcal Antigenemia and associated factors among HIV/AIDS patients on second-line antiretroviral therapy at two hospitals in Western Oromia, Ethiopia.

Cryptococcosis is a global public health important infectious disease. HIV infection is the main risk factor estimated to account for 95% of cases in the middle- and low-income countries and 80% of the cases in high-income countries. The main aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of Cryptococcal antigenemia (CrAg) among HIV/AIDS Patients on second-line ART Therapy at Ambo General Hospital and Nekemte Referral Hospital, Western Oromia, Ethiopia. Hospital-based cross-sectional study was employed from September 1, 2017, to October 30, 2017. Whole blood was tested for CrAg using Cryptococcal lateral flow assay (Immuno-Mycologics, Norman, OK, USA) according to the manufacturer's instructions. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 software. Binary logistic regression models were applied to assess the association between predictors and outcome variables at 95% CI. Among the study participants, 115(62.8%) were females and the median age of the participants was 35 (IQR: 14) years. Majority, 169(92.3%), have been living with HIV for ≥ 5.6 years and 124 (67.8%) stayed on 2nd line ART for an average of 2.5 years. The overall prevalence of Cryptococcal antigenemia in the study participants was 7.7% (14/183). Being male [AOR, 95% CI: 4.78(1.14, 20.1)], poor adherence to ART [AOR, 95% CI: 0.12(0.03, 0.4)], occupational exposures to contaminated soil [AOR, 95% CI: 6.81(1.38, 33.4)], having non-separated house from chickens [AOR, 95% CI: 0.06(0.01, 0.51)], CD4 T+ cell levels ≤ 100 cell/μL [AOR, 95% CI: 6.57(1.9, 23.3)] and viral load >1000 copies/mL [AOR, 95% CI: 11.7(2.4, 57.8)] were significant predictors of Cryptococcal antigenemia (P≤ 0.05). The prevalence of Cryptococcal Antigenemia was significantly high in this study. Being male, occupational exposure to contaminated soil with avian droppings, CD4+ T cell levels <100 cell/μL and viral load >1000 copies/mL were significant predictors of Cryptococcal antigenemia. Therefore, public health measures, adherence to ART and early treatment are recommended.

The status of cryptococcosis in Latin America.

Cryptococcosis is a life-threatening fungal infection caused by the encapsulated yeasts Cryptococcus neoformans and C. gattii, acquired from the environment. In Latin America, as occurring worldwide, C. neoformans causes more than 90% of the cases of cryptococcosis, affecting predominantly patients with HIV, while C. gattii generally affects otherwise healthy individuals. In this region, cryptococcal meningitis is the most common presentation, with amphotericin B and fluconazole being the antifungal drugs of choice. Avian droppings are the predominant environmental reservoir of C. neoformans, while C. gattii is associated with several arboreal species. Importantly, C. gattii has a high prevalence in Latin America and has been proposed to be the likely origin of some C. gattii populations in North America. Thus, in the recent years, significant progress has been made with the study of the basic biology and laboratory identification of cryptococcal strains, in understanding their ecology, population genetics, host-pathogen interactions, and the clinical epidemiology of this important mycosis in Latin America.

Comparative analyses of clinical and environmental populations of Cryptococcus neoformans in Botswana.

Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii (Cng) is the most common cause of fungal meningitis, and its prevalence is highest in sub‐Saharan Africa. Patients become infected by inhaling airborne spores or desiccated yeast cells from the environment, where the fungus thrives in avian droppings, trees and soil. To investigate the prevalence and population structure of Cng in southern Africa, we analysed isolates from 77 environmental samples and 64 patients. We detected significant genetic diversity among isolates and strong evidence of geographic structure at the local level. High proportions of isolates with the rare MATa allele were observed in both clinical and environmental isolates; however, the mating‐type alleles were unevenly distributed among different subpopulations. Nearly equal proportions of the MATa and MATα mating types were observed among all clinical isolates and in one environmental subpopulation from the eastern part of Botswana. As previously reported, there was evidence of both clonality and recombination in different geographic areas. These results provide a foundation for subsequent genomewide association studies to identify genes and genotypes linked to pathogenicity in humans.

First Record of Isolation of &lt;i&gt;Cryptococcus neoformans&lt;/i&gt; from Pigeon Droppings in Djibouti

This study delineates the first isolation of Cryptococcus neoformans from the avian excreta in the city of Djibouti, Djibouti. A total of sixteen samples of old and dry pigeon droppings collected from different sites in Djibouti were examined for the presence of C. neoformans by employing a dilution technique. The organism was isolated from two (12.5%) of the 16 specimens. Both the isolates were recovered on Pal’s sunflower seed medium by observing light to dark brown coloured colonies of C. neoformans . However, no isolation of C. neoformans could be made on Sabouraud medium as all the plates were contaminated with rapidly growing moulds. However, none of the avian droppings yielded any dimorphic fungi such as Histoplasma capsulatum, Blastomyces dermatitidis and Coccidiodes immitis . The microscopic morphology of both isolates of Cryptococcus neoformans in Narayan stain revealed circular to oval, single or budding yeast cells with thin capsules. The findings of this investigation clearly demonstrated that C. neoformans is prevalent in the environment of Djibouti, and Pal’s sunflower seed agar is an excellent differential medium for the rapid screening of environmental specimens. Further comprehensive studies of the prevalence of C. neoformans in various ecological habitats of Djibouti should be conducted. It is emphasized that Pal’s sunflower seed medium can be used a cheap diagnostic tool for the rapid laboratory diagnosis and epidemiological investigation of cryptococcosis particularly in the poor resource countries, which can hardly afford to conduct biochemical tests.

Cryptococcosis: An Enigmatic Mycosis of Humans and Animals

Zoonoses with multiple etiologies affecting immunocompromised hosts have become a matter of concern presently, among the physicians and veterinarians. Among the zoonoses, cryptococcosis is considered a common and important mycozoonosis of global significance mainly affecting HIV/ AIDS patients. Cryptococcosis is primarily caused by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii, which are found in the soil contaminated with avian droppings or eucalyptus trees and decaying woods. Cryptococcus neoformans can survive in the saprobic environment for about 20 years. The respiratory tract is recognized as the principal mode of entry of the pathogen, and the source of infection is exogenous. It is believed that humans and animals acquire cryptococcal infection from saprobic reservoirs. Cryptococcosis occurs in sporadic and epidemic form resulting in high morbidity and mortality in the susceptible hosts. The disease is most often found in cats but has also been reported in cattle, dogs, horses, sheep, goat and other animals. Cryptococcosis is the first manifestation of HIV infection in 26 to 45% of patients, and recent data indicate that C. neoformans appears to potentiate HIV infection. Cryptococcal meningitis alone kills approximately 624,000 people in the world annually. The direct demonstration of the pathogen in the clinical specimens and its isolation in pure and luxuriant form remains the “gold standard” to the diagnosis of cryptococcosis. The routine application of Pal’s sunflower seed medium and Narayan stain in public health and microbiology laboratories will certainly help in the study of this enigmatic mycosis in humans as well as in animals.

Bird fanciers' lung induced by exposure to duck and goose feathers.

Patient: Female, 60Final Diagnosis: Bird fanciers’ lungSymptoms: Cough productive • hypoxia • short of breath • substernal chest painMedication: —Clinical Procedure: —Specialty: —Objective:Rare diseaseBackground:Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is a group of inflammatory interstitial lung diseases caused by hypersensitivity reactions from repeated insults of inhalation of fine particulate organic dusts derived from environmental sources. Bird fanciers’ lung (BFL) is the most common form of HP, with an estimated prevalence of 0.5–7.5% and is observed in individuals who develop a hypersensitivity response to avian droppings or antigens on bird feathers.Case Report: A 60-year-old woman presented to our care with shortness of breath with exertion. She was hypoxic with oxygen saturation of 70% on room air. The CTA of the chest revealed a diffuse bilateral ground glass density in the lung parenchyma with a mosaic attenuation pattern. On further questioning she explained that she collected many duck and goose feathers she found on the ranch and placed them in a vase at home. Transbronchial lung biopsy revealed non-caseating granulomas, aggregates of epithelioid macrophages, and patchy mononuclear cell infiltration with lymphocytes and fibrotic tissue. The patient clinically improved and was discharged home on the 6th hospital day with prednisone 20 mg daily, with clinical improvement noted on subsequent follow up visits.Conclusions:There is no specific clinical manifestation; abnormal laboratory test results help establish a definitive diagnosis. The best diagnostic tool is the correlation of symptom onset with the environmental exposure. The prognosis is excellent after a single episode of HP, but continuous re-exposure carries the risk of progressive pulmonary impairment.

Detection of Environmental Sources of Histoplasma capsulatum in Chiang Mai, Thailand, by Nested PCR

Histoplasmosis is a systemic mycosis caused by inhaling spores of Histoplasma capsulatum, a dimorphic fungus. This fungus grows in soil contaminated with bat and avian excreta. Each year, patients with disseminated histoplasmosis have been diagnosed in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand. No published information is currently available on the environmental sources of this fungus in Chiang Mai or anywhere else in Thailand. The aim of this study was to detect H. capsulatum in soil samples contaminated with bat guano and avian droppings by nested PCR. Two hundred and sixty-five samples were collected from the following three sources: soil contaminated with bat guano, 88 samples; soil contaminated with bird droppings, 86 samples; and soil contaminated with chicken droppings, 91 samples. Genomic DNA was directly extracted from each sample, and H. capsulatum was detected by nested PCR using a primer set specific to a gene encoding 100-kDa-like protein (HcI, HcII and HcIII, HcIV). Histoplasma capsulatum was detected in seven of 88 soil samples contaminated with bat guano, one of 21 soil samples contaminated with pigeon droppings and 10 of 91 soil samples contaminated with chicken droppings. The results indicate the possibility of the association of bat guano and chicken droppings with H. capsulatum in this area of Thailand.

Ecological structuring of yeasts associated with trees around Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

This study seeks to determine the distribution and diversity of yeasts in and around the Hamilton area in Canada. In light of the increasing number of fungal infections along with rising morbidity and mortality rates, especially among the immunocompromised, understanding the diversity and distribution of yeasts in natural environments close to human habitations has become an increasingly relevant topic. In this study, we analyzed 1110 samples obtained from the hollows of trees, shrubs and avian droppings at 8 geographical sites in and around Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. A total of 88 positive yeast strains were isolated and identified belonging to 20 yeast species. Despite the relative proximity of the sampling sites, our DNA fingerprinting results showed that the yeast populations were highly heterogenous. Among the 14 tree species sampled, cedar, cottonwood and basswood hollows had relatively high yeast colonization rates. Interestingly, Candida parapsilosis was isolated almost exclusively from Pine trees only. Our results are consistent with microgeographic and ecological differentiation of yeast species in and around an urban environment.

Cryptococcus neoformans isolation from swallow (Hirundo rustica) excreta in Iran

Cryptococcus neoformans is an encapsulated yeast that can cause cryptococcosis, a life-threatening infection that mainly occurs in immunocompromised patients. The major environmental sources of C. neoformans have been shown to be soil contaminated with avian droppings. In the present study, we evaluated the isolation of C. neoformans from swallow (Hirundo rustica) excreta in two northern cities of Iran. Ninety-seven swallow droppings were evaluated and 498 yeast-like colonies were isolated and identified as Rhodotorula spp. (62.8%), Candida spp. (28.5%)and C. neoformans (8.7%). Cryptococcus neoformans was isolated from 5/97 (5.2%) of collected samples. Min-Max colony forming units (CFU) per one gram for the positive samples were 3-10 C. neoformans colonies. The total mean CFU per one gram for the positive samples was 4.8. The results of this study demonstrate that excreta of swallow may harbor different species of potentially pathogenic yeasts, mainly C. neoformans, and may be capable of disseminating these fungi in the environment.

Characterization of Cryptococcus neoformans isolated from urban environmental sources in Goiânia, Goiás State, Brazil

Cryptococcus neoformans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen that causes meningoencephalitis as the most frequent clinical presentation in immunocompromised patients, mainly in people infected by HIV. This fungus is an environmental encapsulated yeast, commonly found in soil enriched with avian droppings and plant material. A total of 290 samples of pigeon and the other avian droppings, soil, ornamental trees and vegetable material associated with Eucalyptus trees were collected to study environmental sources of Cryptococcus species in Goiânia, Goiás State. The determination of varieties, serotypes and the susceptibility in vitro to fluconazole, itraconazole and amphotericin B of C. neoformans isolates were performed. C. neoformans var. grubii (serotype A) was found in 20.3% (36/177) of pigeon dropping samples and in 14.3% (5/35) of samples of Eucalyptus. None of the environmental isolates of C. neoformans showed in vitro resistance to three antifungal agents. The knowledge of major route for human cryptococcal infection (inhalation of infectious particles from saprophytic sources) and a total of 60 C. neoformans isolates obtained from AIDS patients with cryptococcal meningitis between October 2001 and April 2002 justify the study of the habitats of these yeasts as probable sources of cryptococcosis in this city.

Isolation and Characterization of Cryptococcus neoformans Varieties Recovered from Natural Sources in Bogotá, Colombia, and Study of Ecological Conditions in the Area

Cryptococcus neoformans, the etiological agent of cryptococcosis, has been associated with avian droppings and certain trees in different countries, including Colombia. C neoformans environmental isolates were obtained in urban areas in Bogotá, Colombia, and the strains recovered were phenotypically characterized. Attempts to determine the ecological conditions (micro- and macroclimatic) possibly related to their habitat were also undertaken. Four hundred and eighty samples from bark, soil around trunk bases, and detritus inside hollows of 32 trees were collected in three urban areas during a 5-month period, as well as 89 avian droppings samples from different places. Of plant samples, 6.7% collected from nine tree species yielded C. neoformans var. gattii, serotype B strains in 99% of the cases, and C. neoformans var. grubii, serotype A in 1%. The yeast was more frequently recovered from bark than from soil or detritus inside hollows, and from trees with hollows or rotted wood rather than from trees in which birds nest. C. neoformans was present with higher frequency and density in the rainy season than in the dry season; we found that slightly higher temperature and humidity values of the microhabitat, as compared to those of the environment, favored fungal occurrence, but the phenological state of the tree did not. Of dropping samples, 7.9% yielded C. neoformans strains, all of them C. neoformans var. grubii, serotype A. The yeast was obtained more frequently from dry droppings than from moist ones, but neither the sunlight exposure nor the site of collection of samples was correlated with this occurrence. Population density was significantly higher in droppings than in tree samples. Under laboratory conditions, isolates of different serotype showed similar capsular sizes. Water content and pH ranges were wide and did not show any significant difference between positive and negative samples.

Serotype and PCR-fingerprints of clinical and environmental isolates of Cryptococcus neoformans in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

From May 1999 to April 2000, serotypes of clinical and environmental isolates of Cryptococcus neoformans were studied in Chiang Mai province, northern Thailand. Three hundred and eighty-five environmental samples, of which 100 were dove droppings, 55 pigeon droppings and 230 eucalyptus flower, were collected from 7 Amphoes in Chiang Mai. C. neoformans was isolated from 45 of 100 (45.0%) dove dropping samples, 9 of 55 (16.4%) pigeon dropping samples and 2 of 230 (0.9%) eucalyptus flower samples. Serotypes of 56 environmental isolates and 75 clinical isolates of C. neoformans,obtained during the same period, were determined by the slide agglutination test. Fifty-six environmental and 74 clinical isolates belonged to C. neoformans serotype A (C. neoformans var. grubii), and only one clinical isolate belonged to C. neoformans serotype AD. The isolation of C. neoformans var. grubii from eucalyptus flower samples suggests contamination of avian droppings. PCR-fingerprinting, using (GACA)4 as a primer, discriminated 131 clinical and environmental isolates into 2 groups (group I and II). Seventy-five clinical and 54 environmental isolates were of group I, which had two major specific bands of approximately 1,250 and 960 base pairs. Two environmental isolates, one from pigeon excreta and the other from a eucalyptus flower sample were of group II, which had two major specific bands of approximately 1,180 and 500 base pairs.

Isolation of Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii (serotype A) from Pigeon Droppings in Korea

Three hundred and sixty five samples of avian droppings, collected from parks and zoo, were investigated for the occurrence of Cryptococcus neoformans in Korea. Thirteen samples were positive for C. neoformans. All isolates were obtained from withered pigeon droppings. Identification and serotyping of isolates were determined by means of serological test and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) fingerprinting. All isolates belonged to C. neoformans var. grubbi (serotype A).

Avian habitats as sources of Cryptococcus neoformans in the city of Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

Cryptococcus neoformans is an encapsulated yeast agent of human and animal cryptococcosis. The variety neoformans is an important cause of mortality in AIDS-patients throughout the world. It has already been isolated worldwide from different environmental sources, including avian habitats. However, in spite of the occurrence of human cases of cryptococcosis, there are no studies on the ecology of this agent in the Brazilian Central-Western region. To study saprophytic sources of C. neoformans in the city of Campo Grande, 20 samples of avian droppings from distinct environments within the city were collected. The samples were suspended in sterile saline and then smeared on niger seed agar medium. Five days later smooth dark-brown colonies were subcultivated for identification by morphophysiologic tests. The variety and serotype was determined. C. neoformans var. neoformans serotype A was isolated from 10 (50%) of the samples collected. Consequently, the saprophytic presence of C. neoformans is related to avian habitats.

First environmental isolation of Cryptococcus neoformans var. neoformans and var. gatti from the Gharbia Governorate, Egypt.

Flowers from two Eucalyptus camaldulensis trees in the Qutur area and one tree from the Tanta area yielded three isolates of Cryptococcus neoformans var. gattii. Pigeon and sparrow droppings were also investigated for the occurrence of C. neoformans within the study area. Ninety five isolates of the neoformans variety of C. neoformans were recovered from 550 samples of avian droppings.