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Title: Conditions and Diseases/Infectious Diseases/Fungal/Cryptococcosis - MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Cryptococcosis Features cause, symptoms, tests, diagnosis, prognosis, complications, treatment, and prevention.
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Cryptococcosis

To use the sharing features on this page, please enable JavaScript. Cryptococcosis is infection with Cryptococcus neoformans fungus.

Causes

Cryptococcus neoformans, the fungus that causes this disease, is ordinarily found in soil. It enters and infects the body through the lungs. Once inhaled, infection with cryptococcosis may go away on its own, remain in the lungs only, or spread throughout the body (disseminate).Most cases are in people with a weakened immune system, such as those with HIV infection, taking high doses of corticosteroid medications, cancer chemotherapy, or who have Hodgkin's disease.In people with a normal immune system, the lung (pulmonary) form of the infection may have no symptoms. In people with weakened immune systems, the cryptococcus organism may spread to the brain.Neurological (brain) symptoms begin gradually. Most people with this infection have meningoencephalitis (swelling and irritation of the brain and spinal cord) when they are diagnosed.Cryptococcus is one of the most common life-threatening fungal infections in people with AIDS.

Symptoms

Blurred vision or double vision (diplopia)Bone pain or tenderness of the breastbone (sternum)Chest painConfusionCough -- dryFatigueFeverHeadacheNauseaSkin rash, including pinpoint red spots (petechiae), ulcers, or other skin lesionsSweating -- unusual, excessive at nightSwollen glandsUnintentional weight lossNote: People with a normal immune system may have no symptoms at all.

Exams and Tests

Physical examination may reveal:Abnormal breath soundsFast heart rateFeverMental status changesStiff neckTests that may be done include:Blood cultureCT scan of the headSputum culture and stainLung biopsyBronchoscopySpinal tap to obtain a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture and other tests to check for signs of infectionChest x-rayCryptococcal antigen test (looks for a certain molecule that the Cryptococcus fungus can shed into the blood)

Treatment

Some infections require no treatment. Even so, there should be regular check-ups for a full year to make sure the infection has not spread. If there are lung lesions or the disease spreads, antifungal medications are prescribed. These drugs may need to be taken for a long time.Medications include:Amphotericin BFlucytosineFluconazole

Outlook (Prognosis)

Central nervous system involvement often causes death or leads to permanent damage.

Possible Complications

Infection comes backMeningitisPermanent brain or nerve damageSide effects of medications (such as Amphotericin B) can be severe

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider if you develop symptoms of cryptococcosis, especially if you have a weakened immune system.

Prevention

Take the lowest doses of corticosteroid medications possible. Practice safe sex to reduce the risk of getting HIV and the infections associated with a weakened immune system.

References

Kauffman CA. Cryptococcosis. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 357.

Update Date: 9/15/2010

Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Instructor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Browse the EncyclopediaMedlinePlus TopicsFungal InfectionsHIV/AIDS and InfectionsImagesCryptococcus, cutaneous on the handCryptococcus, cutaneous on the handCryptococcosis on the foreheadCryptococcosis on the foreheadRead MoreAIDSHIV infectionHodgkin’s lymphomaMeningitisA.D.A.M Quality LogoA.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2012, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. A.D.A.M Logo Mobile version Get email updates Subscribe to RSS Follow us on Twitter Disclaimers Copyright Privacy Accessibility Quality Guidelines U.S. National Library of Medicine 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health Page last updated: 07 February 2012 var pagepath = "http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus"; loadJS(Application.init);
 

Features

cause,

symptoms,

tests,

diagnosis,

prognosis,

complications,

treatment,

and

prevention.


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