B. Flatland et al., CLINICAL AND SEROLOGIC EVALUATION OF CATS WITH CRYPTOCOCCOSIS, Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 209(6), 1996, pp. 1110
Objective - To evaluate the long-term clinical outcomes and serologic
changes in cryptococcal antigen and antibody titers in cats with confi
rmed Cryptococcus neoformans infection. Design - Prospective case seri
es. Animals - 47 cats with cryptococcosis. Procedure - Cats included i
n this study were determined to have cryptococcosis on the basis of id
entification of C neoformans on histologic or cytologic examination, i
solation of C neoformans in culture, or positive serologic test result
s for cryptococcal antigens. Information concerning the signalment, hi
story, physical examination findings, FeLV and feline immunodeficiency
virus status, serologic testing, treatment, and outcome for each cat
was requested on a survey form. Follow-up measurements of serum crypto
coccal antigen and antibody titers were requested for all surviving ca
ts. Results - Signalment and clinical signs of cats with cryptococcosi
s reported here were consistent with previous reports. Treatment consi
sted primarily of azole antifungal drugs. Ail cats were seronegative f
or cryptococcal antibody titers, whether tested initially or at follow
-up examination. Ail but 1 cat tested were seropositive for cryptococc
al antigens when initially tested. Cats with and without clinical sign
s of C neoformans infection were seropositive for cryptococcal antigen
s months to years after initial diagnosis of cryptococcosis.Clinical I
mplications - The results of this study indicate that serum titers to
cryptococcal antigens in cats can persist with or without clinical sig
ns for months to years after an initial diagnosis of cryptococcosis is
made. Repeated evaluation of serum cryptococcal antigen titers is adv
ised during the treatment of cats to monitor progress, evaluate progno
sis, and guide cessation of treatment.