SCREENING AND SELECTION OF Cryptococcus Neoformans USING UREASE TEST AS A VIRULENCE FACTOR

In this study, screening and selection of Cryptococcus neoformans was conducted using Urease test. Pigeon dropping is known to be a source of this infectious organism. A total of twelve (12) samples from pigeon droppings were collected from three markets in Benin City. All samples were cultured on SDB (Sabouraud Dextrose Broth) and incubated for 24hrs at 37°C. After 24hrs, the isolates were sub-cultured on fresh SDB and incubated for 24hrs. After growth was observed, the isolates were plated on SDA (Sabouraud Dextrose Agar) for identification of the organism. Isolates of the organism obtained from this samples that was sub- cultured were subjected to urease test. Clinical samples collected from UBTH were also subjected to urease test. The results showed that the isolates that were positive for urease tests with highest growth rate at 37°C were recorded for samples x obtained from Oliha market. This experiment shows the possibility of isolating and selecting C. neoformans on urease test