Cryptococcus neoformans

Test code: F0003 - Qualitative detection of Cryptococcus neoformans by polymerase chain reaction

Cryptococcus neoformans is a fungus that is found worldwide and is the etiologic agent of cryptococcosis. It is commonly associated with old pigeon manure, but it has also been recovered from dried excreta of chickens, sparrows, starlings, and other birds. C. neoformans uses the creatinine in avian feces as a nitrogen source. It thereby gains a competitive advantage over other microorganisms and multiplies exceedingly well in dry bird manure accumulated in places that are not in direct sunlight.

It is generally accepted that the organism enters hosts, including humans, by the respiratory route in the form of a dehydrated yeast or as spores. Most cryptococcosis infections are mild and occur without symptoms. Diffuse pulmonary infection is often asymptomatic and unrecognized. Persons with weakened immune systems due to AIDS, cancer or transplantation, however, are more susceptible to symptomatic infection.

The generalized form of cryptococcosis begins with a lung infection and spreads to other areas of the body, particularly the central nervous system, and is usually fatal if left untreated. The cutaneous form is characterized by acne-like skin eruptions or ulcers with nodules just under the skin. The cutaneous form is generally very rare in normal individuals.

Because contact with pet birds and their excreta can pose a significant health risk to immunocompromised patients, it is important that birds be screened for this fungus before being adopted. Culture identification is labor intensive and cultures are frequently contaminated by other fungi. Molecular detection by PCR provides quick, sensitive and specific detection of Cryptococcus neoformans in a variety of specimen types such as excreta and cloacal swabs.

Utilities:

• Confirm the disease causing agent
• Shorten the time required to confirm a clinical diagnosis of Cryptococcus infection.
• Ensure that flocks are free of this fungus
• Early prevention of spread of this fungus
• Minimize personnel exposure to this fungus
• Safety monitoring of biological products and vaccines that derive from birds

Specimen requirements: Cloacal swab or 0.3 ml feces, shipped overnight at room temperature.

For specimen types other than those listed here, please call to confirm specimen acceptability and shipping instructions.

For all specimen types, if there will be a delay in shipping, or during very warm weather, refrigerate specimens until shipped and ship with a cold pack unless more stringent shipping requirements are specified. Frozen specimens should be shipped so as to remain frozen in transit. See shipping instructions for more information.

Turnaround time: 2 business days

Methodology: Qualitative PCR

Normal range: Nondetected