CRYPTOCOCCUS Flashcards

1
Q

What kind of pathogen is Cryptococcus?

A

Invasive fungi

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2
Q

What are some strains of Cryptococcus?

A

C. gatti, C. neoformans

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3
Q

How is Cryptococcus transmitted?

A

Inhalation of soil particles containing spores

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4
Q

Who is more susceptible to having a severe Cryptococcus infection?

A

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)

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5
Q

What is the pathogenesis of Cryptococcus?

A

A capsule around the organism will protect it from the immune system’s defense mechanisms

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6
Q

How would a Cryptococcus infection present?

A

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

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7
Q

How can a Cryptococcus infection be diagnosed?

A

-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

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8
Q

How can a Cryptococcus infection be treated?

A

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

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