Cryptococcosis and domestic animals

This paper is a review of cryptococcosis in domestic animals. Cryptococcosis is an uncommon mycosis in domestic animals and its occurrence is sporadic. The disease is caused by Cryptococcus neoformans, although Cryptococcus gattii has been also isolated from different animal species. Although cryptococcosis has been reported in several animal species, the most frequently affected domestic animal is the cat. The present paper deals with feline and canine cryptococcosis, its common clinical signs and the different clinical forms of the disease in these species. The diagnosis and treatment of cryptococcosis is also discussed. Diagnosis usually includes cytologic examination, capsular antigen detection and culture and identification of the Cryptococcus species. The most common antifungal agents used in the management of cryptococcosis is reviewed. Finally, we will address the situation of cryptococcosis in domestic animals in Spain and the role of cryptococcosis as a zoonotic disease and its public health importance. ©2008 Revista Iberoamericana de Micología.