How is feline cryptococcosis treated?

Disease management: Amphotericin B, ketoconazole, fluconazole and itraconazole have all been used to treat cats. Surgical excision of any nodules in the skin, nasal or oral mucosa assists recovery. Continued treatment is recommended until the antigen test is negative.

How long does it take to treat Cryptococcus in cats?

Patients with milder cases of Cryptococcosis still need long term monitoring, as therapy with anti-fungal medications will continue for 6-9 months. Patients with Cryptococcosis are generally followed by the internal medicine specialists at Veterinary Specialty Center.

Is Cryptococcus in cats fatal?

The Cryptococcus fungus is contracted through the nasal passages, and from there passes into the brain, eyes, lungs, and other tissues. Lung infection and central nervous system malfunction leading to meningitis are the most common causes of Cryptococcosis fatality.

How is cryptococcosis in animals treated?

Therapy: The most commonly used antifungal drugs to treat canine cryptococcosis are azole antifungals and amphotericin B. Some strains of Cryptococcus are resistant to antifungal drugs, especially fluconazole. Cautious use of glucocorticoids in critically affected dogs with CNS presentations can improve outcome.

How are feline Cryptococcus diagnosed?

Feline cryptococcosis can often be diagnosed through an antigen detection test, known as a Latex Agglutination Test (LAT), on a cat’s blood, urine, or cerebrospinal fluid. In certain cases with localized disease, such as nasal or cutaneous disease, the blood test may be negative even when cryptococcosis is suspected.

Can Cryptococcus be cured in cats?

A prescription of antifungal medication will be needed to eradicate cryptococcosis from the body. Medications such as fluconazole, itraconazole or ketoconazole may be prescribed for several months or more to eliminate the infection.

What should I do if my cat has cryptococcosis?

Disease management: Amphotericin B, ketoconazole, fluconazole and itraconazole have all been used to treat cats. Surgical excision of any nodules in the skin, nasal or oral mucosa assists recovery. Continued treatment is recommended until the antigen test is negative.

What causes cryptococcosis in cats in North America?

Cryptococcosis is the most common systemic fungal disease found in cats, and is most often seen along the Pacific coast of North America, as well as in many parts of Europe and Australia. Disease is caused when a cat inhales the infectious spores of the fungal Cryptococcus neoformans – Cryptococcus gattii species complex.

Is it dangerous to have a pet with cryptococcosis?

Culture of Cryptococcus in the lab is not hazardous to workers as only the yeast form is grown and it does not aerosolize. Contact with infected pets is also not a risk to owners. Source of exposure is the main health risk to owners. Malik R, Krockenberger M, O’Brien CR, et al. Cryptococcosis.

What kind of antibiotics are used for cryptococcosis?

Sabouraud agar with antibiotics is used if bacterial contamination is likely. Fluconazole (2.5–10 mg/kg/day) or itraconazole (10 mg/kg/day) are considered the treatments of choice.