title: Distribution of Cryptococcus neoformans in a pigeon habitat.
abstract: Samples of pigeon droppings were taken from 7 sites in a church tower contaminated with C. neoformans, and the distribution patterns of the fungus were studied. From various sites, 0 to 3 x 10(5) viable C. neoformans particles were recovered per one gram of dry excreta. The factors causing the different density of C. neoformans population in the habitat were: uric acid share of the total nitrogen, creatinine content, sunlight and probably pH. Chemical composition of the substrate is the primary factor in the distribution of C. neoformans in droppings.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D010856:Columbidae; D003404:Creatinine / Q000032:analysis; D003453:Cryptococcosis / Q000635:transmission; D003454:Cryptococcus / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D003455:Cryptococcus neoformans / Q000254:growth & development / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D005243:Feces / Q000032:analysis / Q000382:microbiology*; D006801:Humans; D006813:Humidity; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D009584:Nitrogen / Q000032:analysis; D011156:Population Density; D013696:Temperature; D014527:Uric Acid; D014867:Water / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D014867:Water; D014527:Uric Acid; D003404:Creatinine; D009584:Nitrogen