Cryptococcus Neoformans: Crypt For Crypto Flashcards
What is the morphological feature of Cryptococcus neoformans
heavy and prominent capsule
What is the virulance factor of Cryptococcus neoformans
Repeating polysaccharide coat making it antiphagocytic
Where is Cryptococcus neoformans normally found
In pigeon droppings and the soil
How is Cryptococcus neoformans transmitted
Via inhalation
What is the unique enzyme to Cryptococcus neoformans
Urease positive
Which patients are normally affected by Cryptococcus neoformans infection
HIV
Immunocompromised by high dose steroids or malignancies
What are the symptoms seen in patients with an infection of Cryptococcus neoformans
Cough, dyspnea, other lung infections, fever, pneumonia
-Potentially meningitis
What is the most serious complication of infections of Cryptococcus neoformans
Meningitis, which can lead to permanent neuro deficits
What is the most common cause of fungal meningitis
Cryptococcus neoformans
What are the methods of detection for Cryptococcus neoformans
- Bronchiopulmonary washings of lung
- staining with mucicarmine red or methanamine silver
- LP with India ink stain
- latex agglutination test
What are the stains used for tissue in Cryptococcus neoformans
Mucicarmine red or methanamine silver
How is a lumbar puncture tested for Cryptococcus neoformans and what would be the finding
Used with India ink staining, producing encapsulated halos
What is the latex agglutination test binding to in Cryptococcus neoformans
Detects the polysaccharide antigen and causes them to agglutinate
IN the cause of meningitis caused by Cryptococcus neoformans, what would be seen in the pathology of the brain
Soap bubble lesions in the grey matter
What is the treatment for Cryptococcus neoformans
Joint therapy of Amphotericin B and flucytosine, followed by fluconazole for regulation
