Isolation of Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii (serotype A) from Pigeon Droppings in Korea

ABSTRACT

Three hundred and sixty five samples of avian droppings, collected from parks and zoo, were investigated for the occurrence of Cryptococcus neoformans in Korea. Thirteen samples were positive for C. neoformans. All isolates were obtained from withered pigeon droppings. Identification and serotyping of isolates were determined by means of serological test and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) fingerprinting. All isolates belonged to C. neoformans var. grubbi (serotype A).