Search for Cryptococcus neoformans/gattii Complexes and Related Genera (Filobasidium, Holtermanniella, Naganishia, Papiliotrema, Solicoccozyma, Vishniacozyma) spp. Biotope: Two Years Surveillance of Wild Avian Fauna in Southern France

Abstract

Fungi belonging to the <i>Cryptococcus</i> genus and related genera (<i>Filobasidium</i>, <i>Holtermanniella</i>, <i>Naganishia</i>, <i>Papiliotrema</i>, <i>Solicoccozyma</i>, <i>Vishniacozyma</i>) are encapsulated yeasts found in either the environment or animal sources. However, the precise biotopes of most species remain poorly defined. To assess whether wild birds from southern France can carry or spread the most pathogenic species (i.e., species belonging to the <i>C. neoformans</i> and <i>C. gattii</i> complexes), as well as lesser-studied species (non-<i>neoformans/gattii Cryptococcus</i> and former <i>Cryptococcus</i> spp.), 669 birds belonging to 89 species received for care over a two-year period at the Centre de Protection de la Faune Sauvage of Villeveyrac (Bird Protection League nongovernmental organization (NGO) care center) were sampled. Samples were cultured, and <i>Cryptococcus</i> and former <i>Cryptococcus</i> yeasts were identified by PCR sequencing. The purpose was to evaluate whether there was any health risk to local populations or care personnel in aviaries and gather new data on the ecological niches of lesser-known species. One hundred and seven birds (16%) were found to be positive for at least one <i>Cryptococcus</i> or former <i>Cryptococcus</i> species. No yeasts belonging to the highly pathogenic <i>C. neoformans</i> or <i>C. gattii</i> complexes were isolated. However, diversity was notable, with 20 different Cryptococcus or former Cryptococcus species identified. Furthermore, most bird-yeast species associations found in this study have never been described before.