Survey on the incidence of cryptococcosis (causative agent of pigeon fancier’s disease) in pigeons in warm seasons

Cryptococcus neoformans is a worldwide opportunistic fungal zoonotic pathogen which may cause lethal meningoencephalitis in immunosupressed individuals. This study was carried to determine the infection rate of pigeon flocks in Ahvaz, the capital of Khuzestan province in Iran. The 40 Samples collected from lofts in warm seasons. The DNA of the samples was extracted for PCR test. A pair of primers was used to identify positive isolates of Cryptococcus neoformans. In the following, Nested PCR was used to increase the accuracy of identification. Totally 11 out of 40 samples (27/5%) were contaminated to C. neoformans. According to the results, C. neoformans is prevalent in pigeon flocks in Ahvaz area and should be considered by pigeon breeders, veterinarians and public health organizations. Disinfection of the flocks recommended to control and prevent this disease.