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Cryptococcosis

more about Cryptococcosis


  • This is an infection caused by the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans. It may affect any organ in the body, but its most serious form of disease is cryptococcal meningitis. Cryptococcosis most often occurs in persons who are immunocompromised (their immune systems do not work properly), such as those with HIV and Hodgkin's disease, those taking cancer chemotherapy, or those who are on chronic corticosteroid therapy (e.g., Rheumatoid Arthritis).

  • Meningitis -- headaches, confusion, neck stiffness, nausea/vomiting, cranial nerve abnormalities
  • Lungs -- cough, shortness of breath, or wheezing
  • Other organs -- depends on the organ

  • Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) shows increased pressure, increased wbc count, increased protein, and decreased glucose. An India ink stain will show encapsulated organisms.
  • Cryptococcal antigen and cryptococcal cultures are checked
  • Serum (blood) cryptococcal antigen level is checked

  • Amphotericin B intravenously for high risk patients and more severe cases
  • Another regimen often used is initial amphotericin B plus Flucytosine for the initial 2 weeks, followed by Fluconazole for 8 weeks.
  • There is a "lipid" preparation of Amphotericin B that has less side effects and is often used in those without HIV (those without HIV tend to generally be more ill, because they are often cancer patients)
  • Ventricular shunting may be necessary if hydrocephalus (cerebral spinal fluid build up in the brain) occurs
  • Maintenance treatment -- in patients with HIV disease, there is a lower maintenance dose Fluconazole, because they will be taking it throughout their lifetime, while those without the HIV diseases will only be on the drug for three months.




more about Cryptococcosis


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