Presencia de Cryptococcus neoformans en balanceado a granel para perros en cuatro mercados de la ciudad de Cuenca.

Abstract

Cryptococcus neoformans is an encapsulated yeast of medical and veterinary importance, associated with cryptococcosis ―an opportunistic mycosis that mainly affects immunocompromised individuals. This study aimed to evaluate the presence of Cryptoccocus neoformans in bulk dog food sold in five busy markets in the city of Cuenca, considering this food as a possible vehicle for dissemination of the fungus to pets and people. A total of 45 samples were collected cultured on Sabouraud agar supplemented with Chloramphenicol, and incubated at 37°C for seven days. The macroscopic study showed the growth of whitish and creamy colonies accompanied by opportunistic molds. By microscopic examination and subsequent identification by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, the presence of Candida parapsilosis was confirmed. C. neoformans was not detected in the samples analyzed. These findings show the microbiological contamination of food by yeasts associated with pigeon droppings, which represents a potential risk to public health, especially for vulnerable populations exposed to contaminated aerosols.

Keywords: Cryptococcus neoformans, dog food, microbiological contamination, pigeon droppings, public health.