Cryptococcosis

Infect Dis Clin North Am. 2021 Jun;35(2):493-514. doi: 10.1016/j.idc.2021.03.012.

Abstract

Cryptococcosis is an invasive fungal infection of global significance caused by yeasts of the genus Cryptococcus. The prevalence of HIV in certain areas of the world and the expanding population of immunocompromised patients contribute to the ongoing global disease burden. Point-of-care serologic testing has allowed for more rapid diagnosis and implementation of screening programs in resource-limited settings. Management involves therapy aimed at reduction in fungal burden, maintenance of intracranial pressure, and optimization of host immunity. Despite diagnostic and therapeutic advances, cryptococcosis continues to be a disease with unacceptably high incidence and mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Keywords: Cryptococcosis; Cryptococcus gattii; Cryptococcus neoformans; HIV/AIDS; Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS); Meningitis; Solid organ transplantation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cryptococcosis / diagnosis
  • Cryptococcosis / drug therapy
  • Cryptococcosis / epidemiology*
  • Cryptococcus gattii / immunology
  • Cryptococcus gattii / isolation & purification*
  • Cryptococcus neoformans / immunology
  • Cryptococcus neoformans / isolation & purification*
  • HIV Seronegativity
  • HIV Seropositivity / complications*
  • Humans
  • Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome
  • Immunocompetence
  • Immunocompromised Host
  • Incidence
  • Invasive Fungal Infections / diagnosis
  • Invasive Fungal Infections / drug therapy
  • Invasive Fungal Infections / epidemiology*
  • Meningitis
  • Organ Transplantation