Cryptococcus neoformans
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Introduction
The only non-dimorphic fungi (no mycelia) that causes human disease.
Epidemiology
- widely distributed in the soil, foods & excreta of pigeons & other animals
- lung is the portal of entry
- may exist as saprophyte in humans with pre-existing lung disease
Pathology
- infection results in cryptococcosis
- cryptococcosis most commonly presents as subacute or chronic meningitis
- 33-50% of patients with cryptococcosis are immunosuppressed