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Journal article
Diagnosis and management of Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii detected in an oral mass in a pink-tongued skink (Cyclodomorphus gerarrdii)
Australian Veterinary Journal, Vol.102(8), pp.416-422
2024
Abstract
Cryptococcus is an encapsulated yeast that is found in both yeast and hyphal forms. Cryptococcus neoformans and C. gattii are the most medically important species, causing disease in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent individuals. A large, friable, sublingual mass was surgically resected from the oral cavity of a pink-tongued skink (Cyclodomorphus gerarrdii). Histopathology, fungal culture and PCR testing with Sanger sequencing confirmed granulomatous inflammation containing large numbers of yeasts identified as Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii. Surgical excision and treatment with oral amphotericin B and terbinafine was unsuccessful in managing the infection. On Day 67 after surgery, Cryptococcus DNA was detected by PCR in the blood but not oral, cloacal or skin swabs. The skink was euthanised 72 days after surgery due to anorexia, weight loss and progressive neurological signs of disease. Necropsy results showed disseminated cryptococcosis, including meningoencephalitis and ventriculitis. Two in-contact pink-tongued skinks remained asymptomatic and PCR-negative during 198 days of observation. This case suggests Cryptococcus infections should be considered for oral masses presenting with or without neurological signs in skinks. Further investigation is required to determine the best treatment options for disseminated cryptococcosis in reptiles. This report describes the third reported case of Cryptococcus in a reptile and the first case of cryptococcosis in a pink-tongued skink. It is also the first report of Cryptococcus in a reptile identified to the variety level using PCR, including in whole blood samples.
Details
- Title
- Diagnosis and management of Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii detected in an oral mass in a pink-tongued skink (Cyclodomorphus gerarrdii)
- Authors/Creators
- J. LlinasM. Rozmanec - IDEXX LaboratoriesTim Hyndman - Murdoch University, Centre for Terrestrial Ecosystem Science and Sustainability
- Publication Details
- Australian Veterinary Journal, Vol.102(8), pp.416-422
- Publisher
- John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Australian Veterinary Association.
- Identifiers
- 991005657665207891
- Copyright
- © 2024 The Authors.
- Murdoch Affiliation
- School of Veterinary Medicine; Centre for Terrestrial Ecosystem Science and Sustainability
- Resource Type
- Journal article
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- Citation topics
- 1 Clinical & Life Sciences
- 1.148 Medical Mycology
- 1.148.931 Fungal Pathogenesis
- Web Of Science research areas
- Veterinary Sciences
- ESI research areas
- Plant & Animal Science