Cryptococcus neoformans in the Rosales National Hospital of El Salvador
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5377/revminerva.v7i4.19261Keywords:
Public health, feces, Columba liviaAbstract
Cryptococcosis, an opportunistic mycosis caused by a capsulated yeast: Cryptococcus neoformans, which is taxonomically classified within the kingdom fungi, phylum Basidiomycota, family Filobasidiella. The microorganism was isolated from feces and nests of Columba livia, pigeons. The excreta of these species constitute the ideal habitat for the microorganism because they contain the organic substances necessary for the viability and growth of the fungus. The Rosales National Hospital (HNR), the main hospital in San Salvador and in the country, has a large population of pigeons. The objective of this research was to prove the existence of Cryptococcus neoformans in the feces of pigeons living in the HNR facilities. Method: cultures were made from pigeon droppings from the floor and remains of nests found in the facilities; sowing was performed in sunflower seed agar and from the growth, fresh preparations and urease test were made for identification. The results show the presence of Cryptococcus neoformans in the HNR facilities, and it is also concluded that, regardless of the origin of the environmental samples, there is an equal possibility of recovering the fungus even if they are dry or fresh (wet) excreta, which constitutes a risk factor of infection for immunosuppressed hospitalized patients and the general population that works or visits the HNR. If the condition of immunosuppression, whether due to disease or iatrogenic, is added to the inhalation of fungal spores, it becomes a public health problem to be solved.
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