Cryptococcosis is infection caused by the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans.

Cryptococcus is present around the world, but infection was relatively rare until the AIDS epidemic began. The fungus sometimes infects people with Hodgkin's disease or sarcoidosis and those who are on long-term corticosteroid treatment.

Cryptococcosis mainly occurs in the tissues covering the brain and spinal cord (meninges), resulting in meningitis; in the lungs; and on the skin. Other organs are sometimes involved.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Cryptococcosis usually produces mild and vague symptoms. People with meningitis develop headache and confusion. People with lung infection may not have any symptoms, although some have cough or an aching chest. A severe lung infection causes difficulty breathing.

To diagnose the infection a doctor takes and analyzes samples of tissue and body fluids. Blood and spinal fluid may be tested for antibodies to Cryptococcus.

Prognosis and Treatment

People with a functioning immune system who have Cryptococcus in only a small part of their lungs usually do not require any treatment. Drugs used to treat people with a weakened immune system include fluconazole, amphotericin B, and sometimes flucytosine.

Last full review/revision February 2003