[Fatal cryptococcosis in a bird fancier. A clinical case report on pathology, diagnosis and epidemiology of cryptococcosis]

Abstract

In a 69 year-old female patient who had been a pet bird enthusiast, cryptococcosis of the central nervous system was surprisingly established as cause of death at postmortem. Clinically, a diagnosis of cirrhosis of the liver associated with atypical coma hepaticum had been suspected. Apart from damage due to alcohol abuse, no other underlying disease could be found. The fecal matter of a budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus) has been suggested as the probable source of infection. Using Guizotia abyssinica creatinine agar, Cryptococcus neoformans could be isolated from dry fecal matter collected from the bird cage. In a pet shop in the neighbourhood of the patient's home, fecal matter from various pet bird species was collected. Using the same method, examination also revealed the presence of Cr. neoformans. Contrastingly, masses of pigeon manure found in the garret of the patient's house did not contain Cr. neoformans. The epidemiological significance of the fecal matter of pet birds as a habitat for Cr. neoformans is discussed.