Fungal Infection (Cryptococcosis) in Cats - Causes, Treatment and Associated Conditions

Key takeaways

Cryptococcosis in cats is a systemic fungal disease affecting the skin, respiratory tract, eyes, and central nervous system (CNS) as well as to potentially adjacent tissues. Cryptococcus is a yeast-like fungus found in soil and decaying matter contaminated with bird droppings worldwide, and can survive for years in the environment.

Cats often become infected with Cryptococcus by inhalation, but ingestion and wound contamination are also possible
Symptoms depend upon the organs affected, and include swelling over the bridge of the nose, sneezing, difficulty breathing, skin lesions, changes in gait, ocular lesions, and seizures
Diagnosis uses specific antigen tests and tissue cytology
Treatment is long-term antifungal medication
The prognosis is generally good with treatment, but cats with CNS involvement have a guarded prognosis

Are you concerned?

Connect with a vet to get more information about your pet’s health.

Book an online vet

A closer look: Fungal Infection (Cryptococcosis) in Cats

The Cryptococcus fungus is a species which can be found worldwide. It thrives in soils and vegetation and can survive for years in a dormant state. Soils and vegetation contaminated with bird droppings are its ideal growth environment and it especially thrives when the droppings are from pigeons.

Cryptococcosis is not common, although it is the most common systemic fungal infection in cats. Early intervention is important to treatment success. Prognosis is generally good with prompt treatment.

Connect with a vet to get more information

With DVM, ICH certifications and great reviews by pet parents like you for this symptom

Risk factors

As cryptococcosis is a systemic infection, the fungus may be present and cause disease in several body and organ systems. Some other symptoms that may be noted depend on the localization of the infection.

Possible causes

The cause of cryptococcosis in cats is exposure and infection by the fungal organism Cryptococcus, present in the soil. Not all cats exposed develop disease. Risk factors include living within 10 km of a logging site or large area of soil disruption, and immunosuppression, such as cats undergoing steroid therapy. FIV and FeLV, while immunosuppressive diseases, are not proven to be predisposing factors, but will affect the length of treatment.

Main symptoms

Symptoms will depend on which body system(s) are affected. In the sinonasal form, which is the most common in cats, a hallmark sign is a characteristic swelling over the bridge of the nose. There may be ulceration or draining tracts associated with this lesion.

Testing and diagnosis

Cats with cryptococcosis may need stabilization with anti-seizure medications, analgesia, IV fluids, oxygen therapy, and/or anti-nausea medications. Diagnosis requires a full physical exam, blood work, and diagnostic imaging (x-ray, CT, MRI). Further tests that may be required are cerebrospinal fluid analysis, cytology, or biopsy of affected tissues.

Steps to Recovery

Treatment is at least 6 months in length and uses antifungal drugs. Cats also require routine blood work to monitor for side effects of medication. Relapse is also possible, further complicating treatment.

Generally, treatment for at least 6 months is effective. In some cases with CNS involvement, the prognosis may be guarded, especially if the cat shows signs of altered mentation. CNS cases may require lifelong medication and monitoring.

Prevention

There is no specific prevention for cryptococcosis in cats, other than to avoid contaminated areas. Keeping cats indoors helps to minimize chances of infection. Cryptococcosis in cats is not contagious to other animals or to humans.

Is Fungal Infection (Cryptococcosis) in Cats common?

Cryptococcosis is an uncommon disease, but is the most common systemic fungal infection in cats. Cats are the most commonly affected species, and are 5 times more likely to develop this disease than are dogs.