Cryptococcosis - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Cryptococcosis Definition

A systemic infection caused by the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans. Cryptococcosis may affect lungs, skin, or organ of the body but most often occurs in the central nervous system. Cryptococcosis is an infection acquired by inhalation of soil contaminated with the encapsulated yeast. Cryptococcal meningitis is often fatal, especially if untreated.

Cryptococcosis is a fungal infection characterized by nodular lesions. Cryptococcosis is most prevalent in men, usually those between ages 30 and 60, and is rare in children.

Cryptococcosis Causes

Cryptococcus is one of the most common life-threatening fungal infections in AIDS patients. Cryptococcosis is an infectious disease that affects parts of the body, especially the brain and central nervous system. Most cases occur in people whose resistance to infection is lowered. Cryptococcosis is primarily an urban infection.

Cryptococcus neoformans, the fungus that causes this disease, is ordinarily found in soil. The onset of neurological symptoms is gradual. The majority of people with this condition have meningoencephalitis at the time of diagnosis.

Cryptococcosis neoformans causes three types of infections:

• Wound or cutaneous cryptococcosis
• Pulmonary cryptococcosis
• Cryptococcal meningitis

Cryptococcosis Symptoms

If untreated, symptoms progress to coma and death, usually as a result of cerebral edema or hydrocephalus. Symptoms appear gradually over a period of two to four weeks.

The symptoms of the cryptococcosis may be included:

• Chest pain
• Dry cough
• Headache
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Abdominal pain
• Weakness
• Blurred vision
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Unusual
• Glands
• Abdomen, swollen
• Prolonged bleeding
• bruising

Cryptococcosis Treatments

If pulmonary lesions are present, antifungal medications may be prescribed. Some of the medications may be:

• Amphotericin B
• Flucytosine
• Fluconazole

Patients with AIDS will also need long-term therapy, usually with oral fluconazole.

Amphotericin B, with or without 5-flucytosine, is given for several weeks until the patient is stable.