Feline meningitis due to Cryptococcus neoformans var. neoformans and review of feline cryptococcosis.

Cryptococcus neoformans var. neoformans was ascertained as the prime cause of fatal meningitis in a young-adult female domestic cat who was suspected of rabies. The pathogen was isolated in heavy growth from the infected brain specimen on simplified sunflower seed (Helianthus annuus) medium at 30 degrees C. Periodic acid-Schiff stained impression smear revealed numerous cryptococcal cells. Histologically, pia-arachnoid showed thickening along with many circular yeast cells with and without budding morphologically consistent with Cr. neoformans. The detailed typing of the strain indicated that it belonged to serotype AD and Filobasidiella neoformans var. neoformans mating type 'alpha'. The emphasis is given on early diagnosis by immunological and mycological techniques and prompt chemotherapy to avert the fatal consequences of this enigmatic mycosis.