Isolation and Identification of Cryptococcus neoformans from pigeon droppings in Tiruchirappalli district of Tamil Nadu, South India

A B S T R A C T Cryptococcus has been a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with Aids. Many reservoirs of the agent Cryptococcus neoformans have been reported, but the ecology of this yeast must be elucidated in order to establish surveillance programs and to prevent infections. The objective of the study was to evaluate the presence of Cryptococcus neoformans in pigeon droppings. Thirty three samples of pigeon droppings were collected from 10 different regions in Tiruchirappalli district. Of the thirty three samples, 20 (60.6%) were positive for Cryptococcus neoformans. The highest frequency was observed in droppings from site 1(100%), 3(80%), 5(80%). The lowest frequency was observed in 2(57%), 4(60%), 8(50%), 9(50%), 10(50%). The samples from the sites 6, 7 did not show any contamination to Cryptococcus neoformans .