Cryptococcosis

Cryptococcosis is an invasive fungal infection primarily caused by encapsulated yeasts of the *Cryptococcus* genus, most commonly *Cryptococcus neoformans* and *Cryptococcus gattii* The disease is typically acquired through the inhalation of environmental basidiospores or desiccated yeast cells, which initially establish a pulmonary infection that can remain localized or disseminate hematogenously While it predominantly presents as a severe opportunistic infection causing subacute meningoencepha...

Cryptococcosis is an invasive fungal infection primarily caused by encapsulated yeasts of the *Cryptococcus* genus, most commonly *Cryptococcus neoformans* and *Cryptococcus gattii* The disease is typically acquired through the inhalation of environmental basidiospores or desiccated yeast cells, which initially establish a pulmonary infection that can remain localized or disseminate hematogenously Hallmark pathophysiologic and clinical features include a marked neurotropism, a thick antiphagocyt...

While it predominantly presents as a severe opportunistic infection causing subacute meningoencephalitis and pneumonia in immunocompromised hosts—especially individuals with advanced HIV disease, solid organ transplants, or prolonged immunosuppressive therapy—it can also affect immunocompetent hosts

While it predominantly presents as a severe opportunistic infection causing subacute meningoencephalitis and pneumonia in immunocompromised hosts—especially individuals with advanced HIV disease, solid organ transplants, or prolonged immunosuppressive therapy—it can also affect immunocompetent hosts

Hallmark pathophysiologic and clinical features include a marked neurotropism, a thick antiphagocytic polysaccharide capsule, elevated intracranial pressure, and systemic dissemination involving the central nervous system, lungs, skin, and other organs