Cryptococcosis / Cryptococcus and symptoms
What is Cryptococcosis - Cryptococcus
An illness that results from INFECTION with the FUNGUS Cryptococcus neoformans, which is abundant in soil worldwide. Cryptococcosis may affect the MENINGES (membranes covering the BRAIN and SPINAL CORD), the LUNGS, or the SKIN. Infection is most likely in people who are IMMUNOCOMPROMISED and is a particular risk in those who have HIV/AIDS, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, or SARCOIDOSIS. Though typically a mild and self-limiting illness, cryptococcosis disseminate (become widespread throughout the body).
Symptoms of Cryptococcosis / Cryptococcus and Causes
Most people have mild, generalized symptoms of illness such as HEADACHE, muscle aches, COUGH, and chest tightness. Significant exposure to Cryptococcus neoformans or compromised immune function causes more severe symptoms. Culture of body fluid samples provides definitive diagnosis. Mild cryptococcosis does not require treatment and most people recover without complications. Doctors prescribe ANTIFUNGAL MEDICATIONS to treat severe symptoms or cryptococcosis in people who are immunocompromised (including those who have HIV/AIDS); long-term treatment may be necessary.
| ANTIFUNGAL MEDICATIONS TO TREAT CRYPTOCOCCOSIS | ||
|---|---|---|
| amphotericin B | fluconazole | flucytosine |
See also CANDIDIASIS; COCCIDIOIDOMYCOSIS; CRYPTOSPORIDIOSIS; OPPORTUNISTIC INFECTION.
