Isolation and Characterization of Cryptococcus Species fromPoultry in FCT, Nigeria

Cryptococcosis is caused by the encapsulated yeast Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii. It is a pathogenic and opportunistic fungi naturally occurring in the soil while pigeon acts as reservoirs and it is known to cause morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised individuals especially HIV/AIDS patients. The re-emergence and continuous occurrence in other livestock, other than its natural host prompted this study to evaluate the burden and zoonotic Potential of the pathogen in FCT, Nigeria. A total of 300 fecal samples from pigeons (n = 100), broiler (n=100) and local chickens (n=100) were collected over a period of three months from November 2023 to January 2024 and analyzed using standard mycological techniques to elucidate the cultural morphology, microscopic and biochemical characteristics of the isolates. Presumptive isolates were further subjected to PCR for confirmation. Macroscopic examination revealed 152 creamy circular colonies on Potato Dextrose Agar while microscopic observation post Gram’s staining and Indian ink staining revealed 130 Gram positive isolates, with 98 isolates showing capsules respectively. 15 (5%) of the isolates were confirmed C. neoformans based on PCR amplification of the STE20a gene with an amplicon size of 413bp. None of the isolates was positive for C. gatti. Distribution of isolates according to poultry species showed that 60% were recovered from local chicken, 20% from pigeon and 20% from commercial chicken. Distribution according to location further revealed a highest prevalence of 1.67% in Abuja Municipal Council (AMAC). While Gwagwalada, Kuje and Bwari had 1%, 1.33% and 1% respectively. In conclusion, this study revealed an overall prevalence of 5% with high burdens among local chickens. The results of this study suggest that C. neoformans is present in poultry in Abuja, constituting a risk of acquiring the disease by immunocompromised and immunocompetent individuals and poses high potential threats of public hazard.