Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)

Toggle: English / Spanish

Ask Our Experts

Get answers to your specific medical questions from UM Medical Center experts.

Note: This is for informational purposes only. Doctors cannot provide a diagnosis via e-mail.

 

Related Content

Division of Infectious Diseases

Flu Prevention Podcast

Our Doctors

Cryptococcosis

Definition:

Cryptococcosis is a rare fungal infection caused by inhaling the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans .

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Cryptococcus neoformans , the fungus that causes this disease, is ordinarily found in soil. Once inhaled, infection with cryptococcosis may heal on its own, remain localized in the lungs, or spread throughout the body (disseminate).

Most cases occur in people whose resistance to infection is lowered (such as by HIV infection , high doses of corticosteroid medications, cancer chemotherapy, or Hodgkin's disease ).

In people with normal immune systems, the pulmonary (lung) form may have no symptoms. However, in people with impaired immune systems, the cryptococcus organism may spread to the brain.

The onset of neurological symptoms is gradual. The majority of people with this condition have meningoencephalitis (swelling and irritation of the brain and spinal cord) at the time of diagnosis.

Cryptococcus is one of the most common life-threatening fungal infections in AIDS patients.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. 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 process . A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) 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 1997-2007 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

adam.com