Colonization of a voice prosthesis byCryptococcus neoformans

Abstract
Tracheoesophageal voice prostheses in laryngectomized patients commonly deteriorate due to the presence of yeasts, particularly Candida species. We describe the first case of colonization of such a device by Cryptococcus neoformans in a patient with a history of glottic carcinoma. The isolate showed an identical genomic pattern with C. neoformans from pigeon excreta in the patient's environment.