Introduction

• Cryptococcosis is a sporadic but not uncommon systemic fungal infection in humans and animals.
• The most common nomenclature for it is Cryptococcus neoformans, although with DNA sequencing more specific variations are being found.
• It is now accepted that both C. neoformans and C. gattii affect ferrets.
• There are reports in the literature of Cryptococcus infection in ferrets.
• Cause: Cryptococcus neoformans or Cryptococcus gattii.
• Signs: skin lump, respiratory signs, abdominal mass, tachypnea, pneumonia, weight loss.
• Diagnosis: hematology, biochemistry, radiography, CT, MRI, cytology and histopathology, ultrasonography, culture and antigen serology.
• Treatment: excision; itraconazole, amphotericin B.
• Prognosis: poor.

Pathogenesis

Etiology

• Infection most likely via aerosol.
• Localized cutaneous infection may result from skin penetration.
• Multifocal subcutaneous infection most likely from hematogenous spread; also CNS and lymph node disease.

Predisposing factors

General

• Cryptococcus has a predilection for the cooler parts of the body (respiratory tract, head, limbs).
• Susceptibility to systemic disease is increased during corticosteroid therapy.
• Immunocompromised or stressed ferrets may end up with it becoming disseminated.

Specific

• Cryptococcus neoformas is commonly associated with avian feces but it is also found in soil.
• Cryptococcus gattii is associated with decaying plant matter of certain tree species, especially Eucalyptus spp, but also other trees that occur in emerging areas.

Timecourse

• Unknown incubation time.
• Infection once established may require treatment lasting weeks.

Epidemiology

• Exposure is through the environment.
• It is not transmitted animal to animal.

Diagnosis

Treatment

Prevention

Outcomes