Summary
Cryptococcosis, or cryptococcal disease, is characterized by the infestation of fungus in the lungs, which can potentially lead to tumors, and even death. The disease can be contracted through particles in the air, from unwashed fruit, or bird droppings. Starting in the lungs, the disease can spread to the brain, urinary tract, skin, and the bones. The central nervous system is targeted as the infection spreads through the body. People suffering from HIV are at a higher risk of contracting Cryptococcosis.
Fact Table
| Formal binomial name of microbe: | Cryptococcosis neoformans |
| Gram stain (gram positive, gram negative or neither): | Appear as round cells with gram-positive granular inclusion OR gram-negative lipoid bodies. |
| Is the microbe mobile or immobile? | Mobile |
| Primary habitat? | Soil |
| Can the organism infect humans? | Yes |
| Can the organism infect other species? If so, which ones. | Animals like dogs and cats, cattle, sheep, goats, horses, wild animals, and birds |
| Documented cases of antimicrobial resistance? | none |
| Number of infections per year in the US | 0.4 to 1.3 cases per 100,000 |
| Number of infections per year in the world | 220,000 |
Description
Cryptococcosis, also known as cryptococcal meningitis or cryptococcal disease is a rare disease caused by the fungal, yeast-like microbe called Cryptococcosis neoformans. The microbe thrives mostly in wet warm environments, like soil. Contraction of cryptococcosis begins with contact of the species, usually from things like contaminated, unwashed fruit/vegetables, bird droppings, or breathing in particles of it. Most people who come in contact with the microbe are not affected by it, and it cannot be spread from person to person. People at risk of contracting the disease usually have hindered immune systems, like those with advanced HIV/AIDS or organ transplants (CDC).
This disease can be seen worldwide; an average of 220,000 cases are reported annually. In the United States, cases are prevalent mostly in the “Southeastern states and usually in adults aged forty to sixty” (Rare Diseases).
For those affected by the disease, the spread of cryptococcosis starts with the lungs, and travels through to “the brain, urinary tract, skin, and/or bones” (Rare Diseases). While in the lungs, the disease presents itself with the respiratory symptoms of coughing, and chest pain. As it continues to spread through the body and become more serious, the central nervous system is targeted. Symptoms of this spread include headaches, fever, nausea, confusion, and sensitivity to light (CDC). Severe cases include “inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord” (Rare Diseases).
It can be diagnosed by bodily fluids or body tissue and can be seen through a light microscope. The treatment of the disease depends on antibiotics which are “anti-fungal agents (such as) Amphotericin B, Flucytosine, and Fluconazole” (Merck Manuals). Instant treatment is essential for avoiding life-threatening problems.
Recent News of Cryptococcosis
It has been reported that the cryptococcosis market is expected to reach a value of $6.27 billion by 2024. There is a worldwide effort to create an advancement in research, technology, and medicine to help treat and prevent the disease in vulnerable and affected populations.
In people with organ transplants, 8% of patients who contract fungal diseases contract cryptococcosis. This makes it the third most common fungal disease in those patients. Regular doctor visits and checking of bodily fluids as well as tissue samples is integral to making sure these patients are at a decreased risk of contracting cryptococcosis and other diseases.
Current treatment for cryptococcosis, intravenous amphotericin B plus flucytosine, requires hospitalization and can lead to serious side effects detrimental to weak patients, specifically those suffering with HIV/AIDS. The FDA has recently approved a new drug APX001 (Amplyx Pharmaceuticals) for the less threatening treatment of the drug, a once-a-day oral treatment.
Sources
“Fungal Diseases: About C. neoformans Infection”; cdc.gov; https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/cryptococcosis-neoformans/definition.html
“Rare Disease Database: Cryptococcosis”; rarediseases.org; https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/cryptococcosis/
“Cryptococcosis”; merckmanuals.com; https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/infectious-diseases/fungi/cryptococcosis