Isolation of Cryptococcus from Pigeon Droppings in Central Casablanca

<p><em>Cryptococcus neoformans</em> is an encapsulated yeast that can cause potentially fatal neuromeningeal cryptococcosis in immunocompromised individuals. Contamination occurs through the inhalation of soil aerosols and pigeon droppings contaminated with <em>C. neoformans</em>. In Casablanca, neuromeningeal cryptococcosis remains a severe opportunistic infection in HIV patients (1.2%), with a high mortality rate estimated at 60%. The aim of this paper is to evaluate, for the first time, the rate of contamination in pigeon droppings in Casablanca. Samples of pigeon droppings were collected from different sites at Mohammed V Square and United Nations Square. All samples were inoculated onto Sabouraud Chloramphenicol medium without actidione and incubated at 37°C for 48 hours. Macroscopic examination of the culture revealed yeast colonies (53%) and opportunistic moulds (47%). Confirmation by urease test showed 20% positive samples. The preliminary isolation of <em>Cryptococcus sp.</em> in Casablanca is of major interest in identifying the <em>Cryptococcus</em> species and assessing the health risk to the population.</p>