การตรวจหาเชื้อรา Cryptococcus neoformans จากมูลนกภายในบริเวณมหาวิทยาลัย ศรีนครินทรวิโรฒ องครักษ์ (ISOLATION OF CRYPTOCOCCUS NEOFORMANS FROM AVIAN DROPPING AT SRINAKHARINWIROT UNIVERSITY ONGKHARAK CAMPUS)

Abstract

Cryptococcosis is a fungal infection caused by Cryptococcus neoformans, a life-threatening infection that is usually manifested as menigeoencephalitis mainly in immunocompromised patients. The objective of this study was to investigate C. neoformans in avian droppings from buildings in the Srinakharinwirot University, Ongkharak campus. A total of one hundred and sixty–one sample of avian droppings was collected from 18 buildings in different regions in Srinakharinwirot University, Ongkharak campus. Each sample was diluted to 10^-10 with phosphate buffer saline (PBS) solution and then cultured in Sabouraud dextrose agar medium including Penicillin G sodium. Identification of C. neoformans was performed on the basis of different colonies on Cryptococcus differential agar, presence of capsule on India ink preparation, ureas production of urea base agar medium, phenoloxidase production of Caffeic acid agar medium was also used to confirm C. neoformans. Results of the fungus isolated from 161 samples showed that 52 (32.29%) were positive with C. neoformans. The highest frequency was observed in the droppings from Faculty of Health Science, Medical, nursing student Dormitory, Ongkharak Club, and the Buddha Shrine (50%). Thai wisdom museum not found of C. neoformans in pigeon droppings. The result suggested that C. neoformans were present in avian droppings in the Srinakharinwirot University, Ongkharak campus. Indicated that, it is necessary to have a compaign for prevention and control of C. neoformans infection. In addition, this work will be useful in developing a sanitation plan at the Srinakharinwirot University to handle avian droppings in the campus.