Diagnosis and management of Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii detected in an oral mass in a pink-tongued skink (Cyclodomorphus gerarrdii).
Lizard
fungus
pathology
reptile
tremellomycetes
Journal
Australian veterinary journal
ISSN: 1751-0813
Titre abrégé: Aust Vet J
Pays: England
ID NLM: 0370616
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
23 Apr 2024
23 Apr 2024
Historique:
revised:
01
03
2024
received:
06
12
2023
accepted:
01
04
2024
medline:
24
4
2024
pubmed:
24
4
2024
entrez:
23
4
2024
Statut:
aheadofprint
Résumé
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.
Types de publication
Case Reports
Langues
eng
Sous-ensembles de citation
IM
Informations de copyright
© 2024 The Authors. Australian Veterinary Journal published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Australian Veterinary Association.
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