Pathological findings in a cat with cryptococcosis and feline immunodeficience virus infection

Abstract

This report describes the gross, histopathological, imm~~nocytochemi c aaln d electron rnicroscopic findings in a cat with systemic cryptococcosis and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection. Lymphadenopathy and cloudiness of leptomeninges were the major gross findings. Numerous cryptococcal yeasts were found in lymph nodes, brain, and lung, and were less common in the kidney and the eye. The inflammatory reaction varied i n intensity and cell type (mononuclear through granulomatous) depending on the organ involved. Yeasts were mainly within phagocytes as revealed by electron microscopy. Some inflammatory cells were imrnunocytochemicaIly-stained with anti-CD3 antibodies.