Description
Cryptococcus neoformans is an encapsulated yeast.
Infection with C. neoformans is termed cryptococcosis. Most infections with C. neoformans occur in the lungs.[12] However, fungal meningitis and encephalitis, especially as a secondary infection for AIDS patients, are often caused by C. neoformans, making it a particularly dangerous fungus. Infections with this fungus are rare in those with fully functioning immune systems.
Infection starts in lungs, disseminates via blood to meninges and then to other parts of the body. CNS (central nervous system) infection may also be present as a brain abscess known as cryptococcomas, subdural effusion, dementia, isolated cranial nerve lesion, spinal cord lesion, and ischemic stroke.
