Cryptococcosis is infection with Cryptococcus neoformans fungus.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Cryptococcus neoformans is the fungus that causes this disease. It is usually found in soil. If you breathe it in, it infects your lungs. The infection may go away on its own, remain in the lungs only, or spread throughout the body (disseminate).
This infection is most often seen 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
Cryptococcus is one of the most common life-threatening fungal infections in people with AIDS
People with a normal immune system may have no symptoms at all.
The infection may spread to the brain in people who have a weakened immune system. Neurological (brain) symptoms start slowly. Most people with this infection have swelling and irritation of the brain and spinal cord when they are diagnosed.
Signs and tests
Physical examination may reveal:
- Abnormal breath sounds
- Fast heart rate
- Mental status changes
- Stiff neck
Tests that may be done include:
Some 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.
- Amphotericin B
Amphotericin B can have severe side effects.
Calling your health care provider
Call your health care provider if you develop symptoms of cryptococcosis, especially if you have a weakened immune system.
Kauffman CA. Cryptococcosis. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 344.
David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc. Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital.