First case of cryptococcosis in a new species of bandicoot (Bandicota indica) caused by Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii

Abstract

The first case of cryptococcosis caused by Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii in a new species of bandicoot (Bandicota indica) is described. The animal was trapped in a bamboo thicket in a park located in the city of Jabalpur, India. On necropsy, pathological lesions were seen in the lungs and liver and C. neoformans var. grubii was isolated from the lungs, liver, kidneys, spleen and brain but not the heart or intestine. The soil of the animal's burrow and bamboo debris around it also revealed the presence of C. neoformans var. grubii. We hypothesize that the bandicoots may potentially act as sentinel animals for environmental human pathogenic Cryptococcus species.