Cryptococcus spp

• What is the morphology of Cryptococcus neoformans?

  Yeast with urease positive
• Who is at risk for Cryptococcus neoformans infections?

  Immunocompromised individuals, especially HIV/AIDS
• What is the reservoir for Cryptococcus neoformans?

  Soil within pigeon droppings
• How is Cryptococcus neoformans transmitted?

  Inhalation of yeast
• What is the pathogenesis of Cryptococcus neoformans?

  Inhalation leads to lung access and spread
• What are symptoms of pulmonary cryptococcosis?

  Cough, dyspnea, and fever
• What are symptoms of cryptococcal meningoencephalitis?

  Headache, fever, and confusion
• What does the India ink stain demonstrate in cryptococcal diagnosis?

  Encapsulated yeast with clear halo
• What is the treatment for disseminated cryptococcosis?

  Amphotericin B and 5-fluorocytosine
• What is the treatment to prevent disease relapse in AIDS patients?

  Fluconazole
• What are the clinical manifestations of cryptococcosis?

  • Pulmonary cryptococcosis
  • Cryptococcal meningoencephalitis
• What are the microbiological diagnosis methods for Cryptococcus?

  • India ink stain
  • Mucicarmine and methenamine staining
  • Latex agglutination