Cryptococcosis
| Headline | |
|---|---|
| Etiology | Cryptococcus spp., most commonly opportunistic infection Transmission: inhalation of spores |
| Epidemiology | C. neoformans - Bird droppings |
| Clinical presentation | Pneumonia: CNS: meningitis |
| Pathogenesis | Alveolar macrophages → inflammatory response Virulence factors: - Capsule formation - melanin pigment production - ability to grow well at 37°C |
| Diagnostic investigations | Cryptococcal polysaccharide antigen (CrAg) can be detected in serum, CSF or pleural aspirate samples using rapid antigen tests. |
| Management | PO fluconazole, or induction therapy with amphotericin B combined with flucytosine, followed by consolidation therapy with fluconazole. |