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What Do We Know About Cryptococcus spp. in Portugal? One Health Systematic Review in a Comprehensive 13-Year Retrospective Study (2013–2025)

Summary

This study examines cryptococcosis, a fungal infection that affects both animals and humans, across Portugal from 2013-2025. Researchers found that about 4.5% of animal samples tested positive for Cryptococcus species, with infections most common in dogs and cats. The infections peaked during summer months and were most prevalent in central Portugal, with different fungal species affecting different animal types. The research emphasizes the importance of coordinated monitoring across animals, humans, and the environment to better understand and control this disease.

Background

Cryptococcosis, caused by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii species complexes, is an environmentally acquired mycosis of One Health relevance. Despite increasing recognition in Europe, comprehensive data on cryptococcosis in domestic animals in Portugal remain limited, with information scattered across isolated case reports.

Objective

To conduct a PRISMA-compliant systematic review (2000–2025) of Portuguese animal, human, and environmental reports integrated with a 13-year retrospective dataset of laboratory-confirmed veterinary cryptococcosis cases (2013–2025) to characterize the epidemiology and distribution of Cryptococcus species in Portugal.

Results

Of 1059 submissions, 48 (4.5%) were culture-positive: 6.8% of canine, 5.3% of feline, and 4.0% of avian samples. C. neoformans predominated in carnivores (73.7%), while Papiliotrema laurentii was most frequent in birds (86.2%). Summer showed significant seasonality (p=0.010), with the Centre region predominating (62.5%) and marked regional variation in species distribution (p<0.001).

Conclusion

The study demonstrates compartmentalized eco-epidemiology of Cryptococcus species in Portugal, reinforcing the need for integrated molecular typing, antifungal susceptibility testing, and coordinated human–animal–environment surveillance to inform targeted prevention and control strategies.
  • Published in:Journal of Fungi,
  • Study Type:Systematic Review with Retrospective Study,
  • Source: PMID: 41003218, DOI: 10.3390/jof11090672
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