Zoonotic transmission of Cryptococcus neoformans from a magpie to an immunocompetent patient.

Lagrou, K; Van Eldere, J; Keuleers, S; Hagen, F; Merckx, R; Verhaegen, J; Peetermans, W E; Boekhout, T · J Intern Med · 2005

case_report · Level V

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Abstract

We report a case of cryptococcal meningitis in an immunocompetent female patient with exposure to a pet magpie (Pica pica). Genetically indistinguishable isolates were cultured from the cerebrospinal fluid of the patient and excreta of the bird. Our data strongly suggest zoonotic transmission of Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii from a magpie to this patient.

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