| Cryptococcosis is a rare fungal infection caused by | | | | People who have defects in their cell-mediated |
| inhaling the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans. | | | | immunity. Most people in the United States who |
| Cryptococcus is present around the world, but | | | | develop cryptococcal infections. Infections with C. |
| infection was relatively rare until the AIDS epidemic | | | | gattii have also occurred in healthy persons without |
| began. Cryptococcosis is the cause of the most | | | | compromised immune systems. Cryptococcal infection |
| common life-threatening meningitis in AIDS. In the | | | | may cause a pneumonia-like illness, with shortness of |
| United States, 6-10% of all patients with AIDS get | | | | breath, coughing and fever. Skin lesions may also |
| cryptococcosis. Cryptococcal meningitis (infection of | | | | occur. Another common form of cryptococcosis is |
| the brain) is believed to result from dissemination of | | | | central nervous system infection, such as |
| the fungus from either an observed or unappreciated | | | | meningoencephalitis. People with cryptococcal |
| pulmonary infection. Cryptococcus gattii causes | | | | meningoencephalitis are usually immunocompromised. |
| infections in immunocompetent people (those having | | | | Symptoms may include fever, headache, or change in |
| a functioning immune system). | | | | mental status. |