We call cryptococcosis "window washer's disease" because the organism is frequently present in the droppings of pigeons.
Crypto wants to grow at body temp (approx. 37 deg. C). It's growth is inhibited around 39 deg. C. A bird's body temp is more like 42 deg. C.
Antibodies don't do diddly here. Cellular immunity is the name of the game for fungal infections.
The capsule inhibits plasma cell function, inhibits phagocytosis, inhibits leukocyte migration (you usually don't see hardly any WBC's around the fungus), & absorbs opsonins.
Approximately 40% of feline infections have skin or SQ involvement. (All that nose swelling is SQ involvement)
Dogs do not get the swollen nose look. They usually get ocular or neuro involvement instead.
Latex agglutination is the only useful serological test. This test is a test for capsular antigen in whatever fluid is being tested (serum, CSF etc.) Any titer at all is considered a positive test & serology can be used to track response to therapy. This test has not been evaluated in the dog.
As with most aspects of life, we have choices. Fluconazole BID for 2-4 months appears to be the best as it will penetrate into CSF. Do not d/c therapy until titer is negative. Itraconazole can be used also (less $$$) but results have been sl. poorer.
