Cryptococcosis is infection with Cryptococcus neoformans fungus.
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsCryptococcus neoformans, the fungus that causes this disease, is ordinarily found in soil. It enters and infects the body through the lungs. Once inhaled, infection with cryptococcosis may go away on its own, remain in the lungs only, or spread throughout the body (disseminate).
Most cases are in people with a weakened immune system, such as those with HIV infection, taking high doses of corticosteroid medications, cancer chemotherapy, or who have Hodgkin's disease.
In people with a normal immune system, the lung (pulmonary) form of the infection may have no symptoms. In people with impaired immune systems, the cryptococcus organism may spread to the brain.
Neurological (brain) symptoms begin gradually. Most people with this infection have meningoencephalitis (swelling and irritation of the brain and spinal cord) when they are diagnosed.
Cryptococcus is one of the most common life-threatening fungal infections in people with AIDS.
SymptomsNote: People with a normal immune system may have no symptoms at all.
Signs and testsSome infections require no treatment. Even so, there should be regular check-ups for a full year to make sure the infection has not spread. If there are lung lesions or the disease spreads, antifungal medications are prescribed. These drugs may need to be taken for a long time.
Medications include:
Central nervous system involvement often causes death or leads to permanent damage.
ComplicationsCall your health care provider if you develop symptoms of cryptococcosis, especially if you have a weakened immune system.
PreventionTake the lowest doses of corticosteroid medications possible. Practice safe sex to reduce the risk of getting HIV and the infections associated with a weakened immune system.
ReferencesKauffman CA. Cryptococcosis. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds.Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 357.