Isolation of Cryptococcus neoformans from bats (<i>Molossus major</i>) droppings in Awka, Nigeria.

Abstract

The study determines the ecological significance of bats excrement in cryptococcosis in Awka, Nigeria. A total of 194 samples of bats droppings were collected from church, houses and public buildings. Each sample was suspended 1:10 in sterile normal saline solution and then cultured in Staib medium (Guizotia Abyssinica-creatine agar).
Identification of Cryptococcus neoformans was performed based on the development
of brown- coloured colonies and the presence of encapsulated yeast. Of 194 samples,
28 (14.4%) were positive for Cr.neoformans. The highest frequency was observed in
dropping from houses (20.9%), followed by public buildings (12.3%) and churches
(5%). No significant differences in isolation frequency were observed between fresh
or dried excrement. All isolates obtained were Cr. neoformans var neoformans. The
study further showed that bat excreta acquisition of cryptococcus is a potential source
of infections to humans.

Keywords: Cryptococcus neoformans var neoformans, bats dropping, Awka.

Sudanese Journal of Dermatology Vol. 4 (2) 2006: pp. 81-85