Cryptococcosis

Introduction. 

Cryptococcosis is a systemic fungal infection caused by Cryptococcus neoformans. These yeast fungi form a capsule that enables it to resist phagocytosis. Cryptococcus is found in soil and dirt enriched by pigeon droppings. Cryptococcus causes pulmonary infections in most symptomatic patients, but may also lead to disseminated mycoses and is the major cause of fungal meningitis, especially in AIDS.

Summary

• Cause: Cryptococcus neoformans
• Microscopy: Yeast stage only; capsule
• Transmission: Airborne
• Symptoms: Mild or asymptomatic lung infection with a single nodule containing C. immitis cells; 
• Complications: (AIDS) meningitis, skin and bone lesions
• Pathogenesis: capsule resists phagocytosis; virulence factors damage tissues
• Treatment:surgery (lung nodule); amphothericin B + fluorocytosine (meningitis)