Towards understanding a potential Cryptococcus neoformans environmental-host transmission route in agricultural settings.

Cryptococcus (C.) neoformans is a fungal pathogen of global significance. Its ecological niches are well-documented in soils contaminated with bird droppings and decaying vegetation; yet, the full scope of its persistence and transmission within agricultural settings remains underexplored. This perspective paper proposes a potential transmission route involving birds, soil, livestock, particularly cattle, and humans that could sustain the environmental burden of cryptococcal cells on farms. We also highlight the possibility of fungal adaptation after fungal cells cycle in cattle before infecting humans. Finally, we propose some mitigation strategies that might be essential to monitoring and breaking this transmission route.