Image kindly supplied by J. Weber,
Med. Micro. & Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Oval with a capsule which acts as a virulence determinant
Oval Cryptococcus neoformans.
It is a large budding yeast - but not dimorphic
Most people have been exposed to this organism, but it only causes disease in certain people.
It is saprophytic - found in soils all over the world.
Usually soil contaminated with pigeon droppings.
Does not infect birds though.
Has been isolated in vegetables, fruit and dairy products too.
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