A disease caused by organism Cryptococcus neoformans
Airborne basidiospores conidia enter the lungs.
These spores are deposited in the alveoli.
Habitat of these infective spores is unknown.
Possibly grow on bird droppings.
CLINICAL FEATURES
Causes 2 major manifestations:
Common Mild Infection
Common respiratory infection.
Cryptococcus grows in lungs causing mild or chronic pneumonia-like
illness.
Degree of illness depends on degree of lung dysfunction.
Disseminated Disease
Worst kind of infection - chronic infection spreads.
Spreads to CNS, and meninges which is fatal if not treated.
Meningitis often results in these cases.
Symptoms may go on for months without being noticed.
Headache, stiff neck, lack of coordination, dizziness, seizures.
Most infected develop meningitis (85%).
Meningitis rarely leads to neurological damage and blindness.
Disseminated form most common in AIDS patients.
Cryptococcal pneumonia - most common pneumonia found in AIDS.
Can also affect other areas of the body - skin, organs and muscles.
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Most infected in the US are HIV infected.
No reports of animal-to-human transmission.
Human-to-human transmission is rare
Immunocompromsed especially those with HIV
Many individuals that are infected have weakened immune systems.
Individuals undertaking steroid treatment, immunosuppressant drugs.
Diabetes, and leukemia patients.
4th most common life threatening disease in aids patients. in USA,
Common in Britain and Europe
Incidence decreased since devlopment of antiretroviral therapies
90% of cases occur to AIDS and HIV sufferers.
Commonest in men
Spinal tap
Examine fluid from spinal cord for fungus
Culture of fungus will confirm diagnosis.
Amphotericin B via IV for severe infections.
Milder infections treated with oral medications, e.g. fluconazole.
AIDS patients will have to undergo oral treatments for life due to high rate of relapse.
No specific prevention measures as how the infection is contracted is not fully known
Organisms causing Cryptococcosis
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