Cryptococcus Fungus in Cats

Cryptococcus fungus can cause a disease called cryptococcosis in cats, dogs and people. It is the most common fungal disease in cats, according to a University of Georgia report, ̶0;Canine and Feline Cryptococcosis.̶1; The fungus primarily affects animals that have a deficient immune system and it is known to infect humans with HIV.

  1. Symptoms

    • The fungus infects all types of cats. Symptoms include sneezing and nasal discharge, skin lesions, nasal mass, eye problems and central nervous system problems. Chronically infected cats become lethargic, lose their appetites and lose weight.

    Effects

    • The fungus rarely causes problems in healthy animals, but can cause pneumonia, granulomas or systemic disease in animals with suppressed immune systems. Cats that have feline leukemia, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) or other immunosuppressing diseases are more susceptible to severe diseases resulting from the fungus.

    Treatment

    • No known vaccinations are available to prevent the fungus. Oral drugs such as itraconazole, fluconazole and ketoconazole are used to treat it. Amphotericin B can be applied intravenously, but can be toxic to animals.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Pets should not be exposed to areas that may be contaminated. The fungus is primarily environmental and rarely transmitted between animals.

      The fungus is primarily associated with bird feces, so cats should be prevented from stalking birds, especially pigeons. Potting soil and basement mold may also be sources. Cats can inhale the fungal particles, which infest the nasal cavities or lungs.

    Types of Cats Infected

    • Cryptococcus fungus infects male and female cats equally. Siamese, Himalayan, and Ragdoll cats were more prevalent in a 2004 Australian study, "Retrospective Study of Feline and Canine Cryptococcosis in Australia from 1981 to 2001: 195 Cases."