Ch 36: Mycotic Infections Flashcards
1
Q
What is the most common cause of fungal meningitis?
A
cryptococcosis
p. 1553
2
Q
Name some predisposing factors for cryptococcosis.
A
chemotherapy for hematologic malignancies Hodgkin lymphoma corticosteroid therapy transplant recipients TNF inhibitor therapy HIV infection
(p. 1553)
3
Q
Cryptococcosis may cause symptoms of _____, abnormal mental status; meningismus is seen only _____, but rarely in HIV-infected patients.
A
headache
occasionally
(p. 1553)
4
Q
What laboratory finding is diagnostic of cryptococcosis?
A
Visualization of capsular polysaccharide antigen in the CSF.
5
Q
Cryptococcosis is mainly caused by _____ _____, an encapsulated budding _____ that has been found worldwide in soil and on dried pigeon dung.
A
Cryptococcus neoformans
yeast
