Isolation of Cryptococcus neoformans from droppings of the Feral Pigeon (Columba livia) found in public places in El Salvador

Aim: The objective of this study was to isolate yeasts belonging to the Cryptococcus neoformans species complex from the feral pigeon (Columba livia) droppings collected from public squares and parks in El Salvador.

Methods: Samples were seeded in conventional culture media and confirmed colonies were typed by the enzymatic restriction technique of the URA5 gene.

Results: Of a total of 66 samples analyzed, three were positive for yeasts belonging to the Cryptococcus neoformans species complex. The molecular study grouped the isolates into molecular types VNI and VNII; both belong to the Cryptococcus neoformans sensu stricto species.

Conclusions: In the sites studied, the presence of this yeast is very low, probably due to environmental factors. The first report of Cryptococcus neoformans sensu stricto genotypes VNI and VNII in El Salvador is presented. This species is of public health relevance because it is responsible for more than 90% of cryptococcosis cases worldwide.