Meningoencephalomyelitis and pneumonia caused by Cryptococcus spp. in a cat - case report

[Meningoencefalomielite e pneumonia causada por Cryptococcus spp. em um gato - relato de caso]

ABSTRACT

Cryptococcosis is an important systemic mycosis with worldwide distribution that affects men and also domestic and wild animals. The infection is acquired by inhalation of the fungus or basidiospores present in the environment and may manifest as localized nasal or ocular injury, pulmonary illness or, less commonly, as meningoencephalomyelitis. Long-term treatment is necessary, and the prognosis is reserved. This paper aims to report a case of invasive cryptococcosis in a domestic cat that was presented with neurological signs. It is intended to emphasize the systemic nature of the infection and its possible routes of infection, reinforcing the importance of investigating this disease as a differential diagnosis of clinical manifestations with neurological involvement in cats.

Keywords:
cryptococcosis; meningitis; systemic mycosis; feline