Cryptococosis, commonly known as pigeon disease, is an infectious disease caused by the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans, which is found mainly in pigeon droppings, but also in fruits, soils, cereals and trees, for example.
This disease is considered opportunistic because the fungus causes severe symptoms mainly in people with weakened immune systems, such as AIDS.
- The treatment of cryptococcosis is done by the use of antifungals.
- Especially in the most severe cases of the disease.
- Which should be used according to the doctor’s instructions.
- In addition it is important to avoid contact with the source of transmission of this fungus.
- Such as washing areas that have pigeon droppings with water and chlorine.
- For example.
Cryptococcus neoformans is infected by inhaling spores or yeasts from the fungus found in the trees or feces of pigeons, for example, this fungus lodges in the lungs and causes respiratory symptoms, however, depending on the person’s immune system, it is possible for the fungus to enter the bloodstream and move to other parts of the body , causing systemic symptoms, such as:
The diagnosis of cryptococcosis is made through clinical observation of symptoms and various laboratory tests, the most commonly used of which is “Ink-da-Chinese”, which can detect the cryptocurrency transmitter.In addition, body secretions are analyzed to check for the presence of the fungus in the body.
Chest x-ray may also be helpful in diagnosing the disease, as it may look at lung damage, nodules, or a single mass that characterize cryptococcosis.
Treatment of cryptococoosis varies depending on the degree of disease the person presents, and the doctor may recommend the use of antifungal drugs, such as amphoterin B or fluconazole, for example, for about 6 to 10 weeks.
If the person is found to have a systemic infection, i.e. where it is possible to identify the fungus in the blood, treatment should be performed in the hospital so that symptoms can be managed to avoid complications.
The prevention of cryptococcosis mainly concerns the control of pigeons, since it is the main transmitter of the disease, for example, it is important to avoid contact with pigeons, if it is necessary to work with birds, use masks and gloves, avoid feeding pigeons and use water and chlorine to wash the droppings of pigeons.