What disease does Cryptococcus neoformans cause?

In most cases, cryptococcal meningitis is caused by the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans. This fungus is found in soil around the world. Cryptococcus gattii can also cause meningitis, but this form can cause disease in patients with a normal immune system as well.

What is the difference between Cryptococcus neoformans and Gattii?

neoformans is AIDS, whereas infections caused by C. gattii are more often reported in immunocompetent patients with undefined risk than in the immunocompromised.

Which drugs are used to treat cryptococcosis?

The drug of choice (DOC) for initial therapy in disseminated or CNS cryptococcosis is amphotericin B. Amphotericin B may be used alone or in combination with flucytosine. Amphotericin B has a rapid onset of action and often leads to clinical improvement more rapidly than either intravenous or oral fluconazole.

Is cryptococcal curable?

Amphotericin B, flucytosine, and fluconazole are antifungal medications shown to improve survival in patients with cryptococcal infections. These essential medications are often unavailable in areas of the world where they are most needed.

How is cryptococcal diagnosed?

Diagnosis of Cryptococcosis Chest x-ray, urine collection, and lumbar puncture are done first. Culture of C. neoformans is definitive. CSF, sputum, and urine yield organisms most often, and blood cultures may be positive, particularly in patients with AIDS.

Is Cryptococcus serious?

Cryptococcus is a common fungus that is often found in soil and bird droppings. Cryptococcal meningitis is a serious infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord caused by this fungus. It is rare for a healthy person to develop cryptococcal meningitis.

What is cryptococcal antigen test for?

The test works by detecting cryptococcal antigen (abbreviated “CrAg”), an indicator of infection, in serum (a component of blood) and in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The antigen test can detect cryptococcal antigen in serum a median of 22 days before symptoms of meningitis develop.

How is cryptococcal infection treated?

Cryptococcal meningitis is treated with antifungal drugs such as amphotericin, fluconazole, and flucytosine (induction therapy); recurrence of the infection is prevented by taking fluconazole daily for life or until the immune system recovers.