BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuCryptococcosisC. neoformans var. neoformans infection; C. neoformans var. gatti infection; C. neoformans var. grubii infectionCryptococcosis is infection with the fungi Cryptococcus neoformans or Cryptococcus gattii. Causes C neoformans and C gattii are the fungi that cause this disease. Infection with C neoformans is seen worldwide. Infection with C gattii has mainly been seen in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, British Columbia in Canada, Southeast Asia, and Australia. In the United States, sporadic cases have been seen in many states including Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, Hawaii, Georgia, Rhode Island, and Florida. Cryptococcus is the most common fungus that causes serious infection worldwide.Both types of fungi are found in soil. If you breathe the fungus in, it infects your lungs. The infection may go away on its own, remain in the lungs only, or spread throughout the body (disseminate). C neoformans infection is most often seen in people with a weak immune system, such as those who:Are infected with HIV/AIDS HIV/AIDSHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). When a person becomes infected with HIV, the ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Take corticosteroid medicines Cancer Are on chemotherapy medicines for cancer Have Hodgkin disease Hodgkin diseaseHodgkin lymphoma is a cancer of lymph tissue. Lymph tissue is found in the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, bone marrow, and other sites.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Have had an organ transplantC gattii may affect people with normal immune system.C neoformans is the most common life-threatening cause of fungal infection in people with HIV/AIDS.People between 20 to 40 years of age are the most common age group that has this infection. Symptoms The infection may spread to the brain in people who have a weakened immune system. Neurological (brain) symptoms start slowly. Most people have swelling and irritation of the brain and spinal cord when they are diagnosed. Symptoms of brain infection may include:Fever and headache FeverFever is the temporary increase in the body's temperature in response to a disease or illness. A child has a fever when the temperature is at or abov...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Neck stiffness Nausea and vomiting NauseaNausea is feeling an urge to vomit. It is often called "being sick to your stomach. "Vomiting or throwing-up forces the contents of the stomach up t...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Blurred vision or double vision Blurred visionThere are many types of eye problems and vision disturbances, such as: Halos Blurred vision (the loss of sharpness of vision and the inability to see...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article ConfusionConfusionConfusion is the inability to think as clearly or quickly as you normally do. You may feel disoriented and have difficulty paying attention, remembe...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article The infection can also affect the lungs and other organs. Lung symptoms may include:Difficulty in breathing Cough Chest painChest painChest pain is discomfort or pain that you feel anywhere along the front of your body between your neck and upper abdomen.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Other symptoms may include:Bone pain or tenderness of the breastbone Bone painBone pain or tenderness is aching or other discomfort in one or more bones.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Fatigue FatigueFatigue is a feeling of weariness, tiredness, or lack of energy.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Skin rash, including pinpoint red spots (petechiae), ulcers, or other skin lesions Skin rashRashes involve changes in the color, feeling or texture of your skin.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article PetechiaeBleeding into the skin can occur from broken blood vessels that form tiny red dots (called petechiae). Blood also can collect under the tissue in la...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sweating -- unusual, excessive at night SweatingHyperhidrosis is a medical condition in which a person sweats excessively and unpredictably. People with hyperhidrosis may sweat even when the tempe...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Swollen glands Swollen glandsLymph nodes are present throughout your body. They are an important part of your immune system. Lymph nodes help your body recognize and fight germ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Unintentional weight lossUnintentional weight lossUnexplained weight loss is a decrease in body weight, when you did not try to lose the weight on your own. Many people gain and lose weight. Uninten...Read Article Now Book Mark Article People with a healthy immune system may have no symptoms at all. Exams and Tests The health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask about symptoms and travel history. The physical exam may reveal:Abnormal breath sounds Fast heart rate Fever Mental status changes Stiff neck Tests that may be done include:Blood culture to differentiate between the two fungi CT scan of the head CT scan of the headA head computed tomography (CT) scan uses many x-rays to create pictures of the head, including the skull, brain, eye sockets, and sinuses.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sputum culture and stain Sputum cultureRoutine sputum culture is a laboratory test that looks for germs that cause infection. Sputum is the material that comes up from air passages when y...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Lung biopsy Lung biopsyA lung needle biopsy is a method to remove a piece of lung tissue for examination. If it is done through the wall of your chest, it is called a tran...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage BronchoscopyBronchoscopy is a test to view the airways and diagnose lung disease. It may also be used during the treatment of some lung conditions.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Spinal tap to obtain a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Spinal tapCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection is a test to look at the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. CSF acts as a cushion, protecting the b...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture and other tests to check for signs of infection Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cultureA cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture is a laboratory test to look for bacteria, fungi, and viruses in the fluid that moves in the space around the spi...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Chest x-ray Chest x-rayA chest x-ray is an x-ray of the chest, lungs, heart, large arteries, ribs, and diaphragm.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Cryptococcal antigen test (looks for a certain molecule that is shed from the cell wall of the Cryptococcus fungus into the bloodstream or CSF) Treatment Fungal medicines are prescribed for people infected with cryptococcus.Medicines include:Amphotericin B (can have severe side effects) Flucytosine Fluconazole Outlook (Prognosis) Central nervous system involvement often causes death or leads to permanent damage.Central nervous systemThe central nervous system is composed of the brain and spinal cord. Your brain and spinal cord serve as the main "processing center" for your entir...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if you develop symptoms of cryptococcosis, especially if you have a weakened immune system.Open ReferencesReferencesKauffman CA, Chen SC-A. Cryptococcosis. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 317.Perfect JR. Cryptococcosis (Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii). In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 262.Robles WS, Ameen M. Cryptococcosis. In: Lebwohl MG, Heymann WR, Murrell DF, eds. Treatment of Skin Disease: Comprehensive Therapeutic Strategies. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 49.AllVideoImagesTogCryptococcus - cutaneous on the hand - illustration These are cryptococcus skin lesions. Cryptococcus is a yeast (type of fungus) that seldom causes infection, but is considered opportunistic (it affects people with weakened immune systems). Cryptococcus is one of the more common life-threatening fungal infections in people with AIDS.Cryptococcus - cutaneous on the handillustrationCryptococcosis on the forehead - illustration This is an example of cryptococcus skin lesions on the forehead. Cryptococcus is a yeast (type of fungus) that seldom causes infection and is considered opportunistic (affecting individuals with weakened immune systems). Cryptococcus is one of the more common life-threatening fungal infections in people with AIDS.Cryptococcosis on the foreheadillustrationFungus - illustration Fungal infections are caused by microscopic organisms (fungi) that can live on the skin. They can live on the dead tissues of the hair, nails, and outer skin layers.FungusillustrationCryptococcus - cutaneous on the hand - illustration These are cryptococcus skin lesions. Cryptococcus is a yeast (type of fungus) that seldom causes infection, but is considered opportunistic (it affects people with weakened immune systems). Cryptococcus is one of the more common life-threatening fungal infections in people with AIDS.Cryptococcus - cutaneous on the handillustrationCryptococcosis on the forehead - illustration This is an example of cryptococcus skin lesions on the forehead. Cryptococcus is a yeast (type of fungus) that seldom causes infection and is considered opportunistic (affecting individuals with weakened immune systems). Cryptococcus is one of the more common life-threatening fungal infections in people with AIDS.Cryptococcosis on the foreheadillustrationFungus - illustration Fungal infections are caused by microscopic organisms (fungi) that can live on the skin. They can live on the dead tissues of the hair, nails, and outer skin layers.FungusillustrationRelated Information Hodgkin lymphoma(Condition)HIV/AIDS(Condition)Meningitis(Condition)Hodgkin disease - InDepth(In-Depth) Review Date: 9/10/2022 Reviewed By: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Associate Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Associate in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. 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CryptococcosisC. neoformans var. neoformans infection; C. neoformans var. gatti infection; C. neoformans var. grubii infectionCryptococcosis is infection with the fungi Cryptococcus neoformans or Cryptococcus gattii. Causes C neoformans and C gattii are the fungi that cause this disease. Infection with C neoformans is seen worldwide. Infection with C gattii has mainly been seen in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, British Columbia in Canada, Southeast Asia, and Australia. In the United States, sporadic cases have been seen in many states including Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, Hawaii, Georgia, Rhode Island, and Florida. Cryptococcus is the most common fungus that causes serious infection worldwide.Both types of fungi are found in soil. If you breathe the fungus in, it infects your lungs. The infection may go away on its own, remain in the lungs only, or spread throughout the body (disseminate). C neoformans infection is most often seen in people with a weak immune system, such as those who:Are infected with HIV/AIDS HIV/AIDSHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). When a person becomes infected with HIV, the ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Take corticosteroid medicines Cancer Are on chemotherapy medicines for cancer Have Hodgkin disease Hodgkin diseaseHodgkin lymphoma is a cancer of lymph tissue. Lymph tissue is found in the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, bone marrow, and other sites.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Have had an organ transplantC gattii may affect people with normal immune system.C neoformans is the most common life-threatening cause of fungal infection in people with HIV/AIDS.People between 20 to 40 years of age are the most common age group that has this infection. Symptoms The infection may spread to the brain in people who have a weakened immune system. Neurological (brain) symptoms start slowly. Most people have swelling and irritation of the brain and spinal cord when they are diagnosed. Symptoms of brain infection may include:Fever and headache FeverFever is the temporary increase in the body's temperature in response to a disease or illness. A child has a fever when the temperature is at or abov...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Neck stiffness Nausea and vomiting NauseaNausea is feeling an urge to vomit. It is often called "being sick to your stomach. "Vomiting or throwing-up forces the contents of the stomach up t...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Blurred vision or double vision Blurred visionThere are many types of eye problems and vision disturbances, such as: Halos Blurred vision (the loss of sharpness of vision and the inability to see...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article ConfusionConfusionConfusion is the inability to think as clearly or quickly as you normally do. You may feel disoriented and have difficulty paying attention, remembe...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article The infection can also affect the lungs and other organs. Lung symptoms may include:Difficulty in breathing Cough Chest painChest painChest pain is discomfort or pain that you feel anywhere along the front of your body between your neck and upper abdomen.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Other symptoms may include:Bone pain or tenderness of the breastbone Bone painBone pain or tenderness is aching or other discomfort in one or more bones.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Fatigue FatigueFatigue is a feeling of weariness, tiredness, or lack of energy.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Skin rash, including pinpoint red spots (petechiae), ulcers, or other skin lesions Skin rashRashes involve changes in the color, feeling or texture of your skin.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article PetechiaeBleeding into the skin can occur from broken blood vessels that form tiny red dots (called petechiae). Blood also can collect under the tissue in la...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sweating -- unusual, excessive at night SweatingHyperhidrosis is a medical condition in which a person sweats excessively and unpredictably. People with hyperhidrosis may sweat even when the tempe...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Swollen glands Swollen glandsLymph nodes are present throughout your body. They are an important part of your immune system. Lymph nodes help your body recognize and fight germ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Unintentional weight lossUnintentional weight lossUnexplained weight loss is a decrease in body weight, when you did not try to lose the weight on your own. Many people gain and lose weight. Uninten...Read Article Now Book Mark Article People with a healthy immune system may have no symptoms at all. Exams and Tests The health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask about symptoms and travel history. The physical exam may reveal:Abnormal breath sounds Fast heart rate Fever Mental status changes Stiff neck Tests that may be done include:Blood culture to differentiate between the two fungi CT scan of the head CT scan of the headA head computed tomography (CT) scan uses many x-rays to create pictures of the head, including the skull, brain, eye sockets, and sinuses.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sputum culture and stain Sputum cultureRoutine sputum culture is a laboratory test that looks for germs that cause infection. Sputum is the material that comes up from air passages when y...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Lung biopsy Lung biopsyA lung needle biopsy is a method to remove a piece of lung tissue for examination. If it is done through the wall of your chest, it is called a tran...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage BronchoscopyBronchoscopy is a test to view the airways and diagnose lung disease. It may also be used during the treatment of some lung conditions.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Spinal tap to obtain a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Spinal tapCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection is a test to look at the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. CSF acts as a cushion, protecting the b...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture and other tests to check for signs of infection Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cultureA cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture is a laboratory test to look for bacteria, fungi, and viruses in the fluid that moves in the space around the spi...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Chest x-ray Chest x-rayA chest x-ray is an x-ray of the chest, lungs, heart, large arteries, ribs, and diaphragm.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Cryptococcal antigen test (looks for a certain molecule that is shed from the cell wall of the Cryptococcus fungus into the bloodstream or CSF) Treatment Fungal medicines are prescribed for people infected with cryptococcus.Medicines include:Amphotericin B (can have severe side effects) Flucytosine Fluconazole Outlook (Prognosis) Central nervous system involvement often causes death or leads to permanent damage.Central nervous systemThe central nervous system is composed of the brain and spinal cord. Your brain and spinal cord serve as the main "processing center" for your entir...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if you develop symptoms of cryptococcosis, especially if you have a weakened immune system.Open ReferencesReferencesKauffman CA, Chen SC-A. Cryptococcosis. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 317.Perfect JR. Cryptococcosis (Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii). In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 262.Robles WS, Ameen M. Cryptococcosis. In: Lebwohl MG, Heymann WR, Murrell DF, eds. Treatment of Skin Disease: Comprehensive Therapeutic Strategies. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 49.