DETECTION OF ZOONOTIC CRYPTOCOCCUS NEOFORMANS IN ZEBRA DOVE (GEOPELIA STRIATA) DROPPINGS BY NESTED-PCR

In southern Thailand, zebra doves (Geopelia striata) are raised as pet birds for singing (cooing) competitions. However, zebra dove droppings carry Cryptococcus neoformans, a causative agent of human cryptococcal meningitis. Here, pooled zebra dove droppings (n = 148) were collected from 14 farms in Songkhla Province, southern Thailand and cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar. Putative C. neoformans colonies (mucoid appearance) positive to India ink staining were cultured on cornmeal agar and then subjected to carbohydrate assimilation and urease tests. Positive colonies (encapsulated, melanin formation, utilized a variety of carbohydrates except lactose, and demonstrated urease activity) were analyzed by nested-PC R using a universal primer pair ITS1-ITS4 and C. neoformans-specific primers. Among putative C. neoformans colonies (n = 46) positive by culture and biochemical tests, 7 (15%) samples were positive by C. neoformans-specific nested-PCR and were from only two farms. This is the first report of zoonotic C. neoformans in zebra dove droppings and due to its potential pathology in humans, zebra dove breeders and owners should take suitable measures to prevent possible cryptococcosis infection.