Cryptococcosis is the most common systemic fungal infection found in cats. It is widely accepted that the spore of the fungus is inhaled from the environment, and not directly from other infected animals. Cryptococcosis can occur in dogs, cattle, birds and wildlife, but is most common in cats.
Dr. Pennisi says: “Feline cryptococcosis, discovered over a century ago, is a non-contagious systemic fungal disease acquired from a contaminated environment. For this reason, it is not considered a zoonotic disease; animals may serve as sentinel hosts.”
Content:
What Is Crypto in Cats
Cats love investigating their environment and can pick up this disease via inhalation of an infected air-borne organism. The nasal cavity is usually the primary site of infection, but the disease can spread throughout the body from there. The nose is the most likely route of infection, but luckily it is not contagious. The fungal spore responsible for this infection is Cryptococcus neoformans - Cryptococcus gattii species complex and is mostly found in pigeon faeces, but it can also be found in vegetation that is busy decaying.
There are four forms of feline cryptococcosis, namely:
- Nasal
- Nervous system
- Cutaneous
- Systemic
Outdoor and indoor cats are both susceptible to cryptococcosis and are more likely to contract it than other domestic pets. It is possible for cats and ferrets to contract superficial cryptococcosis after a penetrating injury to the skin has occurred. Sometimes the infection spreads to the lymph nodes closest to the head and can cause an infection in the salivary glands. An infected cat cannot spread it to its humans or furry friends.
“Feline cryptococcosis occurs worldwide, but is most frequently reported in Australia, western Canada and the western United States. Species and molecular type vary in different geographical regions and may affect clinical presentation and antifungal susceptibility patterns.” says Dr. Trivedi in his research.
Cryptococcosis in Cats Symptoms
Chronic cryptococcosis in cats is common. There is no specific gender predisposition, but young adults and cats between the ages of 2-3 years seem to be more commonly affected. Some symptoms to look out for are:
- Nasal form: repeated sneezing, discharge that is not clear, masses in the nostrils, swelling over the nasal bridge, loud breathing, deep wounds on the nose. It can lead to appetite loss and weight loss.
- Central nervous system form (occurs when nasal form spreads to cat’s brain): sudden blindness, head pressing, circling, behavioural changes, seizures, head and spinal pain.
- Cutaneous form: multiple or single non-itchy, non-painful nodules on or right below the skin with lymph node enlargement.
- Systemic form (occurs when infection spreads through the bloodstream): joint inflammation, changes to eyes and bones, multi organ and system disease. Anorexia and lethargy are common.
Cryptococcosis is usually a chronic infection which results in weight loss due to a lack of appetite. It is always recommended to invest in a pet camera to check in on your feline companion when you are not home. In this way you can pick up on any unusual behaviour or symptoms even while you are at work.
Is Cryptococcosis in Cats Curable
If you suspect anything is wrong with your cat you first need to take him to your local veterinarian for a consultation to determine what the problem or cause is. Luckily, the prognosis for cats with cryptococcosis is good (when owners are good about giving the prescribed treatment). The treatment does take a few months and needs to be monitored by your veterinarian with frequent check-ups.
A definite diagnosis of cryptococcosis is made by collecting tissue samples for culture, cytology and on occasion histology. These can be collected with nasal washings, deep nasal swabs and fine needle aspirates of nodules or enlarged lymph nodes. Cryptococcosis is only confirmed once the results are received from a respected laboratory. All these tests, follow ups and treatments add up fast. The best thing you can do for your pet is to sign up with an Emergency Fund so that costs don’t limit your options.
Cats with an already compromised immune system seem to be predisposed to infection and recurrence of the infection is more likely if your cat is already FeLV or FIV positive.
Dr. Malik says in his article: “In North America, there is evidence that some FeLV-positive cats develop cryptococcosis as a result of immune dysfunction because these cats are slower to respond or fail to respond to treatment, and are much more likely to suffer relapses.”
Conclusion
If your cat is acting abnormally in any way, it is always recommended to take them to your nearest veterinarian. The sooner they receive treatment the better the prognosis.
Was this article helpful?
Help us make our articles even better
