First report of cryptococcuria in a bitch from India: a case report

• Main Authors: Abhishek Dharm Singh, Abhiroop Banerjee, Kunal Batabyal
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: SpringerOpen 2020-12-01
• Series: Bulletin of the National Research Centre
• Subjects: Antifungal susceptibility testing; Bitch; Case report; Cryptococcuria; Cryptococcus neoformans; Histopathology
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1186/s42269-020-00457-y

Abstract Background Cryptococcuria has not been reported in dogs although few cases have been described in humans and cats. Cryptococcuria is often seen as a manifestation of systemic or disseminated cryptococcosis. Early diagnosis and treatment is crucial as systemic infections are usually fatal. To the best of author’s knowledge, this is the first reported case of cryptococcuria in a bitch from India. Case presentation An 8-month-old bitch was presented with anorexia, urinary incontinence and dysuria for the last 10 days. Urinalysis showed the presence of yeast cells, and Cryptococcus neoformans was confirmed by both fungal culture and gene sequencing. Antifungal susceptibility testing revealed resistance against ketoconazole, fluconazole and amphotericin B, while sensitivity towards itraconazole, voriconazole and terbinafine. Unfortunately, the bitch expired before the antifungal results were made available. Histopathological changes were observed in lungs which revealed several budding and encapsulated C. neoformans cells. Conclusion This report highlights the importance to conduct routine urine cultures for yeast infections along with antifungal susceptibility testing to identify and initiate proper antifungal therapy to improve clinical outcome.