Cryptococcosis in tree shrews (Tupaia tana and Tupaia minor) and elephant shrews (Macroscelides proboscides)

Fungal infections due to Cryptococcus neoformans occurred in seven short-eared elephant shrews (Macroscelides proboscides), six large tree shrews (Tupaia tana), and five lesser tree shrews (Tupaia minor) at the National Zoological Park during a 30-mo period in 1991-1993. Clinical signs were absent or included weight loss, shivering, dyspnea, and/or neurologic disease. Definitive antemortem diagnostic techniques included tracheal lavage and serum cryptococcal antigen latex agglutination titers. Thirteen cases were diagnosed solely by postmortem examination. The source of infection for these animals was uncertain, but C. neoformans is commonly found in soil and other organic material. Two lesser tree shrews and one large tree shrew received antifungal therapy and converted to a negative serum cryptococcal antigen titer.