EucalyptusTree: A Potential Source ofCryptococcus neoformansin Egyptian Environment

Abstract

In Egypt, the River Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) is a well-known tree and is highly appreciated by the rural and urban dwellers. The role ofEucalyptustrees in the ecology ofCryptococcus neoformansis documented worldwide. The aim of this survey was to show the prevalence ofC. neoformansduring the flowering season ofE. camaldulensisat the Delta region in Egypt. Three hundred and eleven samples out of two hundredEucalyptustrees, including leaves, flowers, and woody trunks, were collected from four governorates in the Delta region. Thirteen isolates ofC. neoformanswere recovered fromEucalyptustree samples (4.2%). Molecular identification ofC. neoformanswas done by capsular gene specific primerCAP64and serotype identification was done depending onLAC1gene. This study represents an update on the ecology ofC. neoformansassociated withEucalyptustree in Egyptian environment.