Cryptococcus

The big problem is that fungi, at a molecular level, is closely related to humans, which means that anything that can kill a fungus is probably good at killing a human - James Fraser

Cryptococcus
Cryptococcus

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This disease’s deadliest weapon is the fact you’ve never heard of it

A deadly fungal infection has been spreading across western North America. The number of human and animal cases has grown rapidly in recent years, to the extent that government agencies in US and Canada have labelled the infection an outbreak.

The infection, cryptococcosis, affects the lungs first, because it is acquired by inhaling fungal spores. In the absence of therapy and sometimes despite it, the infection quickly spreads to the brain and other organs, with often fatal consequences. During this outbreak in the US, about a third of those who catch the disease succumb to it. Those infected with the disease have to undergo antifungal drug therapy that can last months. But those…

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  This disease’s deadliest weapon is the fact you’ve never heard of it

A deadly fungal infection has been spreading across western North America. The number of human and animal cases has grown rapidly in recent years, to the extent that government agencies in US and Canada have labelled the infection an outbreak.

Cryptococcosis

Cryptococcosis was considered an uncommon infection before the AIDS pandemic; however, it was an awakening mycosis giant in the 1970s because it was associated with malignancy, organ transplantation, and certain immunosuppressive treatments.

Cryptococcosis Study

This study may help NIH researchers in Bethesda, Maryland, learn why some previously healthy individuals get infected with Cryptococcus—information that may help develop better treatment and prevention strategies for patients in the future.

Cryptococcus neoformans and gattii: Infections & Symptoms

Cryptococcus is classified as a yeast, meaning it is a single-celled fungus. The yeast is found in soils around the world, but is especially common in urban areas. The reason for the higher concentration in and around cites is because the yeast grows very well in bird droppings. High populations of pigeons provide a natural and continuous source of fungal growth media.

CDC

Cryptococcus neoformans is a fungus that lives in the environment throughout the world. People can become infected with C. neoformans after breathing in the microscopic fungus, although most people who are exposed to the fungus never get sick from it. C. neoformans infections are extremely rare in people who are otherwise healthy; most cases occur in people who have weakened immune systems, particularly those who have advanced HIV/AIDS.

Life In The Fastlane

Cryptococcosis is a fungal infection caused by two different yeast species, that usually manifests as meningitis or pneumonia. •Cryptococcus neoformans meningitis is an AIDS defining illness.

MedicineNet

Cryptococcosis is disease due to a species of the fungus Cryptococcus. C. neoformans typically infects immunocompromised persons. Most people in the United States who develop cryptococcal infections are HIV-positive. However, occasionally persons with no apparent immune system problems develop cryptococcosis. Infections with C. gattii have also occurred in healthy persons without compromised immune systems.

MedlinePlus

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.

Mycology Online

Cryptococcosis is a chronic, subacute to acute pulmonary, systemic or meningitic disease, initiated by the inhalation of infectious propagules (basidiospores and/or desiccated yeast cells) from the environment. Primary pulmonary infections have no diagnostic symptoms and are usually subclinical. On dissemination, the fungus usually shows a predilection for the central nervous system...

Patient

Cryptococcus can affect several organs, but most patients will present with meningitis or meningoencephalitis. A thorough clinical assessment is therefore needed, looking especially for neurological signs and other sites of infection. Remember that HIV-infected patients may be asymptomatic or present with nonspecific symptoms, eg lethargy, weight loss.

Radiopaedia

CNS Cryptococcosis results from infection of the central nervous system with the yeast like fungus Cryptococcus neoformans. It is the most common fungal infection of the central nervous system...

The Body

Cryptococcal meningitis is not very common. It is rare in people with CD4+ cell counts above 100. When it does occur, it typically strikes in people with compromised immune systems, usually when CD4+ cell counts falls below 50. It does also occur, though rarely, in people who are otherwise healthy and not living with HIV.

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