Cryptococcosis in Gilbert's and long-nosed potoroo.
Two cases of fatal cryptococcosis are described, one of Cryptococcus neoformans infection in a Gilbert's potoroo (Potorous gilbertii) and one of Cryptococcus gattii infection in a long-nosed potoroo (Potorous tridactylus). The diagnoses were confirmed by culture and specific immunohistochemistry, respectively. The long-nosed potoroo tested positive using the latex cryptococcal antigen test (LCAT), whereas the Gilbert's potoroo had a negative LCAT result despite having advanced disease of some duration. In both cases, the clinical presentation was a progressive neurologic disease associated with a central nervous system infection. Pulmonary infection was also observed in the long-nosed potoroo. Specific treatment with antifungal agents was unsuccessful in the long-nosed potoroo.
Vaughan
R J
RJ
Veterinary Department, Perth Zoo, 20 Labouchere Road, South Perth, Western Australia 6151, Australia. Rebecca.Vaughan@perthzoo.wa.gov.au
Vitali
S D
SD
Eden
P A
PA
Payne
K L
KL
Warren
K S
KS
Forshaw
D
D
Friend
J A
JA
Horwitz
A M
AM
Main
C
C
Krockenberger
M B
MB
Malik
R
R
D000818:Animals; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003453:Cryptococcosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D003455:Cryptococcus neoformans / Q000187:drug effects / Q000302:isolation & purification; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D007150:Immunohistochemistry / Q000662:veterinary; D017964:Itraconazole / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D048328:Potoroidae / Q000469:parasitology*
D000935:Antifungal Agents; D017964:Itraconazole