Cryptococcosis, popularly known as pigeon disease, is an infectious disease caused by the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans , which can be found mainly in pigeon feces, but also in fruits, soils, cereals and trees, for example.
This disease is considered opportunistic, since the fungus causes severe symptoms mainly in people with compromised immune systems, as in the case of AIDS, for example.
The treatment for cryptococcosis is done through the use of antifungals, especially in more severe cases of the disease, which should be used as directed by the doctor. In addition, it is important to avoid contact with the source of transmission of this fungus, such as washing the places that have pigeon feces with water and chlorine, for example.
Main symptoms
The contamination by Cryptococcus neoformans happens through the inhalation of spores or yeasts of the fungus present in the trees or in the pigeon feces, for example. This fungus lodges in the lungs and causes respiratory symptoms. However, according to the person's immune system, it is possible for the fungus to enter the bloodstream and go to other parts of the body, resulting in systemic symptoms, such as:
- Runny nose; Dyspnea; Sneezing; Headache; Nausea; Vomiting; Sensitivity to light; Fever; Weaknesses; Lung nodules; Chest pain; Stiff neck; Night sweats; Mental confusion; Meningitis.
The diagnosis of cryptococcosis is made through clinical observation of symptoms and several laboratory tests, the most used being “Tinta-da-china” which makes it possible to detect the transmitting agent of Cryptococcosis. In addition, body secretions are analyzed to check the presence of the fungus in the body.
Chest radiography can also be useful for the diagnosis of the disease, since it allows the observation of lung damage, nodules or a single mass that characterize Cryptococcosis.
How the treatment is done
The treatment of cryptococcosis varies according to the degree of the disease presented by the person, and the use of antifungal drugs, such as Amphotericin B or Fluconazole, for example, may be recommended by the doctor for about 6 to 10 weeks.
In case it is verified that the person has a systemic infection, that is, when it is possible to identify the fungus in the blood, the treatment must be carried out in hospital so that the symptoms can be controlled and, thus, complications can be prevented.
Cryptococcosis prevention
The prevention of cryptococcosis concerns mainly the control of pigeons, since it is the main transmitter of the disease. Thus, it is important to avoid contact with the pigeons, if you need to work with birds, use masks and gloves, avoid feeding the pigeons and use water and chlorine to wash the pigeon feces.
