Cryptococcosis is the most common systemic fungal disease of cats worldwide, and the nose is the usual site of infection. A cat with a chronic nasal discharge, a polyp-like mass in the nostril, or a firm swelling over the bridge of the nose should make you think of it. The same guide also compares the other fungi that cause respiratory disease in cats, because the NAVLE likes to ask you to tell them apart on cytology.
Key facts
Cryptococcosis and other fungal respiratory diseases at a glance- Species and system: cat; nasal cavity first, then skin, CNS and eyes.
- Cause: Cryptococcus neoformans and C. gattii, encapsulated yeasts from soil and bird (especially pigeon) droppings, inhaled as spores.
- Classic presentation: chronic sneezing and nasal discharge, polyp-like mass in the nostril, firm lump over the nose, skin nodules, or neurologic and ocular signs.
- Diagnosis: cytology of exudate showing narrow-based budding yeast with a capsule, and latex agglutination (or lateral flow) cryptococcal antigen test.
- Treatment: fluconazole or itraconazole for months to years, until antigen tests are negative.
- Zoonosis: no direct cat-to-person spread; cats and people are infected from the same environment.
What's inside
13 sections in the full guide- Key facts
- How the NAVLE tests this
- Cause and pathophysiology
- Clinical signs
- Diagnosis
- Differential diagnoses
- Other fungal respiratory diseases of cats
- Treatment and management of cryptococcosis
- Prevention, control and public health
- Prognosis
- Quick review
- Test yourself
- References
The full guide also has 5 tables, 2 figures, 3 self-test questions and 10 references, available to NAVLE members.
Read the full study guide
The full guide is part of every NAVLE plan, with diagnosis and treatment tables, figures, a quick review and self-test questions. Start a free trial to try the question bank, or log in if you are already a member.