Investigations on the prevalence of Cryptococcus sp in pigeon excreta in Innsbruck, Austria

Cryptococcus albidus is a Cryptococcus species that has rarely been associa ted with human infections. Until now, no studies have been conducted on the prevalence of the saprophytically occurring Cryptococcus neoformans and Cr yptococcus albidus in Innsbruck. Cryptococcus albidus was isolated from 15 out of 30 samples of pigeon droppings from Various locations, mainly collec ted from public streets, parks and public buildings. Differentiation of Cry ptococcus sp. was possible on the basis of microbiological and molecularbio logical methods. Cryptococcus neoformans could not be isolated from the sam ples.