Environmental prevalence of Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii in India: An update

Chowdhary, Anuradha ; Randhawa, Harbans S. ; Prakash, Anupam ; Meis, Jacques F. (2012) Environmental prevalence of Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii in India: An update Critical Reviews in Microbiology, 38 (1). pp. 1-16. ISSN 1040-841X

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Official URL: http://doi.org/10.3109/1040841X.2011.606426

Related URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/1040841X.2011.606426

Abstract

An overview of work done to-date in India on environmental prevalence, population structure, seasonal variations and antifungal susceptibility of Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii is presented. The primary ecologic niche of both pathogens is decayed wood in trunk hollows of a wide spectrum of host trees, representing 18 species. Overall, C. neoformans showed a higher environmental prevalence than that of C. gattii which was not found in the avian habitats. Apart from their arboreal habitat, both species were demonstrated in soil and air in close vicinity of their tree hosts. In addition, C. neoformans showed a strong association with desiccated avian excreta. An overwhelming number of C. neoformans strains belonged to genotype AFLP1/VNI, var. grubii (serotype A), whereas C. gattii strains were genotype AFLP4/VGI, serotype B. All of the environmental strains of C. neoformans and C. gattii were mating type α (MATα). Contrary to the Australian experience, Eucalyptus trees were among the epidemiologically least important and, therefore, the hypothesis of global spread of C. gattii through Australian export of infected Eucalyptus seeds is rebutted. Reference is made to long-term colonization of an abandoned, old timber beam of sal wood (Shorea robusta) by a melanin positive (Mel+) variant of Cryptococcus laurentii that was pathogenic to laboratory mice.

Item Type:Article
Source:Copyright of this article belongs to Informa UK Limited.
Keywords:Cryptococcus neoformans; Cryptococcus gattii; Natural Habitat; Ecological Niche; Decaying Wood; India.
ID Code:117580
Deposited On:27 Apr 2021 08:39
Last Modified:27 Apr 2021 08:39

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