Cryptococcus

The genus Cryptococcus includes approximately 37 fungal species. Cryptococcus neoformans is the most common human pathogen. In British Columbia, a tropical version, Cryptococcus gatti was discovered in the coastal rain forest on Vancouver Island after several people became ill and one died.

Lung infection follows inhalation of cryptococci spores, which  grow locally and can spread to other organs especially the brain. Diagnosis of brain infection is made after finding encapsulated yeasts in the cerebrospinal fluid stained with India ink and by culturing the organism from CSF. In AIDS patients CSF cultures are often positive.

Bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage or biopsy are necessary to obtain samples from the lung for testing.

Harrison TS. Cryptococcus neoformans and cryptococcosis. J Infect. 2000;41:12-17

This Web Site was developed by  Environmed Research Inc. Sechelt, B.C., Canada. Online Since 1995. Orders for printed books and nutrient formulas are placed at Alpha Online. Persona Publications  is another division of Environmed with a separate online site for  downloading eBooks, music, videos and other digital documents.  Alpha Nutrition ® is a registered trademark of Environmed Research Inc.