title: Cryptococcus neoformans strains isolated from church towers in Rio de Janeiro City, RJ, Brazil.
abstract: Cryptococcosis has been a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with Aids. Many reservoirs of the agent Cryptococcus neoformans have been reported, but the ecology of this yeast must be elucidated in order to establish surveillance programs and to prevent infections. The objective of this study was to evaluate the presence of C. neoformans in Rio de Janeiro City, RJ, Brazil. Ten churches were selected for sampling and detection of the yeast collecting pigeon dropping, air samples from church towers and neighboring areas during one year. The data demonstrated that C. neoformans has been present in every church selected and was present in 37.8% of 219 pigeon dropping samples. As well as, the yeast was isolated from soil, insects, eggs, pigeon nests and feathers. Fifteen air samples (4.9%) were positive. The growth on C.G.B. medium showed that all strains belonged to C. neoformans var. neoformans, with 98.8% of the strains belonging to serotype A.
authors.affiliation: Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. baroni@ufrrj.br
authors.forename: Francisco de Assis
authors.initials: Fde A
authors.lastname: Baroni
authors.forename: Claudete Rodrigues
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Paula
authors.forename: Eriques Gonçalves da
authors.initials: EG
authors.lastname: Silva
authors.forename: Flávio Cesar
authors.initials: FC
authors.lastname: Viani
authors.forename: Irma N G
authors.initials: IN
authors.lastname: Rivera
authors.forename: Maria Tereza Barreto de
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Oliveira
authors.forename: Walderez
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Gambale
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001938:Brazil; D010856:Columbidae / Q000382:microbiology*; D003455:Cryptococcus neoformans / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D004783:Environmental Microbiology; D005243:Feces / Q000382:microbiology; D012703:Serotyping