Isolation of Cryptococcus neoformans from droppings of the Feral Pigeon (Columba livia) found in public places in El Salvador
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51481/amc.v64i1.1227Keywords:
Cryptococcus neoformans, Columba livia, genotype, zoonoses, public healthAbstract
The Feral Pigeon (Columba livia) is considered a harmless animal, nevertheless, several studies indicate that this species can transmit up to 60 pathogenic microorganisms. One of these are the species that belong to the Cryptococcus neoformans species complex; etiologic agent of meningoencephalitis in humans. Aim: The objective of this study was to isolate yeast that belonged to the C. neoformans species complex from the feces of the Feral Pigeon (C. livia), from public places in El Salvador. Methods: Samples were seeded in conventional culture media and confirmed colonies were typed using the enzyme restriction technique of the URA5 gene. Results: Of a total of 66 samples analyzed, three were positive for yeasts that belonged to the C. neoformans species complex. The molecular study grouped the isolates in the molecular types VNI and VNII; both belonging to the species C. neoformans sensu stricto. Conclusions: In the studied sites the presence of this yeast is very low, probably due to environmental factors. On the other hand, we present the first report of C. neoformans sensu stricto genotypes VNI and VNII in El Salvador. This specie is relevant in public health for being responsible for more than 90% of cases of cryptococcosis worldwide.
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