Cytological and histopathological lesions consistent with cutaneous nasal cryptococcosis in a guinea pig (Cavia porcellus)

The growing trend of having non-conventional animals as pets highlights the importance of veterinarians being familiar with the diseases associated with these species. Cryptococcosis is an opportunistic disease with a zoonotic potential caused by fungi of the genus Cryptococcus. It affects many species, including canids, felines, humans, and rodents such as Cavia porcellus, popularly known in Brazil as guinea pig. The present case report highlights macro- and microscopic findings through cytology and histopathology, revealing pyogranulomatous inflammatory process on the skin of the nasal planum of a guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) associated with the presence of yeast-like structures morphologically compatible with Cryptococcus spp. The etiological diagnosis is useful for preventive measures toward owners since guinea pigs can be a source of infection for humans.