Cryptococcosis
Causative fungi; Cryptococcus neoformans
The pathogen has characteristic thick capsule.
Source and Mode of Transmission
Widely present in soil containing bird (especially pigeon) droppings; major source of infection.
Infection is transmitted by inhalation of contaminated dust.
Symptoms
Lung Infection
Pneumonia
Meningitis
Skin lesions
Pathogenesis
Cryptococcosis is acquired by inhalation typically affect lungs.
Second most common fungal infection, after candidiasis.
Laboratory Diagnosis
Specimen collection
Skin scrapping, sputum, Exudates, CSF, urine, tissue biopsy
KOH preparation
Show budding yeast cell.
India ink preparation
Show capsulated yeast cells with budding.
Culture on SDA
Show capsulated yeast cells with budding.
Show smooth, cream coloured colonies, show encapsulated budding yeast cell.
Treatment
Amphotericin B is particularly effective.
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