CRYPTOCOCCUS Flashcards
What kind of pathogen is Cryptococcus?
Invasive fungi
What are some strains of Cryptococcus?
C. gatti, C. neoformans
How is Cryptococcus transmitted?
Inhalation of soil particles containing spores
Who is more susceptible to having a severe Cryptococcus infection?
Immunocompromised: those with HIV, CD4<50 (T-cell/immune cell count lower than 50), chronic steroid users, transplant patients, those with lymphoma
-If healthy: usually self-limiting (will resolve on its own)
What is the pathogenesis of Cryptococcus?
A capsule around the organism will protect it from the immune system’s defense mechanisms
How would a Cryptococcus infection present?
Pneumonia
If disseminated/spread may cause:
-cryptococcal meningitis
-severe disease
-chronic lung infection
-fungemia (fungi in the bloodstream)
-skin nodules/lesions
-Yeast in cerebrospinal fluid may cause increased intracranial pressure
How can a Cryptococcus infection be diagnosed?
-Cryptococcal antigen test
-Cerebrospinal fluid culture and stain (India ink-negative stain under microscope, budding encapsulated fungi will be seen)
-Other cultures: Respiratory, Blood, Tissue
How can a Cryptococcus infection be treated?
Pulmonary infection: Fluconazole
CNS infection:
Initial treatment (induction phase)- Flucytosine + Liposomal Amphotericin B
Maintenance treatment (consolidation phase)- Fluconazole
**May require recurrent lumbar puncture/spinal tap to relieve increased intracranial pressure