A Cryptococcus neoformans strain from the brain of a wildlife fox (Vulpes vulpes) suspected of rabies: mycological observations and comments.

A Cryptococcus neoformans strain which in 1983 caused an infection of the central nervous system (CNS) in a wildlife fox with rabies-like symptoms was tested for its strain-specific brown colour effect (BCE) on Guizotia abyssinica creatinine agar and for its ability to assimilate creatinine. Both reactions were found to be positive. These results were found to be largely identical with those of 2 out of 3 strains having caused fatal cryptococcosis in 1970, 1979 and 1983 in persons living in the area where the fox had been found (radius 40-100 km). Some theoretical aspects of the epidemiology and pathogenesis of cryptococcosis in the wildlife fox and rodents are discussed. For further epidemiological investigations into the prevalence of Cr. neoformans in man and animals in this area, the two reactions for detecting and typing, i.e. the BCE on Guizotia abyssinica creatinine agar and the creatinine assimilation are proposed.