Characterization of Environmental Sources of the Human and Animal Pathogen
Cryptococcus gattii
in British Columbia, Canada, and the Pacific Northwest of the United States
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Published:2007-03
Issue:5
Volume:73
Page:1433-1443
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ISSN:0099-2240
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Container-title:Applied and Environmental Microbiology
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language:en
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Short-container-title:Appl Environ Microbiol
Author:
Kidd Sarah E.12, Chow Yat1, Mak Sunny3, Bach Paxton J.1, Chen Huiming1, Hingston Adrian O.1, Kronstad James W.2, Bartlett Karen H.1
Affiliation:
1. School of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6T 1Z3 2. The Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, 2185 East Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6T 1Z4 3. British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, 655 12th Ave., Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V5Z 4R4
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Cryptococcus gattii
has recently emerged as a primary pathogen of humans and wild and domesticated animals in British Columbia, particularly on Vancouver Island.
C. gattii
infections are typically infections of the pulmonary and/or the central nervous system, and the incidence of infection in British Columbia is currently the highest reported globally. Prior to this emergence, the environmental distribution of and the extent of colonization by
C. gattii
in British Columbia were unknown. We characterized the environmental sources and potential determinants of colonization in British Columbia.
C. gattii
was isolated from tree surfaces, soil, air, freshwater, and seawater, and no seasonal prevalence was observed. The
C. gattii
concentrations in air samples were significantly higher during the warm, dry summer months, although potentially infectious propagules (<3.3 μm in diameter) were present throughout the year. Positive samples were obtained from many different areas of British Columbia, and some locations were colonization “hot spots.”
C. gattii
was generally isolated from acidic soil, and geographic differences in soil pH may influence the extent of colonization.
C. gattii
soil colonization also was associated with low moisture and low organic carbon contents. Most of the
C. gattii
isolates recovered belonged to the VGIIa genetic subtype; however, sympatric colonization by the VGIIb strain was observed at most locations. At one sampling site, VGIIa, VGIIb, VGI, and the
Cryptococcus neoformans
serotype AD hybrid all were coisolated. Our findings indicate extensive colonization by
C. gattii
within British Columbia and highlight an expansion of the ecological niche of this pathogen.
Publisher
American Society for Microbiology
Subject
Ecology,Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology,Food Science,Biotechnology
Reference65 articles.
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