Cryptococcosis
Kari D. Caradine, MD
Key Facts
Terminology
Infection by fungus Cryptococcus neoformans
Usually hematogenously disseminated disease with multiorgan system involvement
Etiology/Pathogenesis
Found in soil, most abundant in avian habitats, especially those with pigeon excreta
Microscopic Pathology
Round to oval yeast with narrow-based budding
Considerable variation in size from 2-20 µm in diameter
Halo around organisms representing mucopolysaccharide capsule
Top Differential Diagnoses
Blastomyces dermatitidis
Histoplasma capsulatum
 Hematoxylin & eosin stain shows numerous Cryptococci expanding the hepatic sinusoids. Note narrow-based bud  and variation in size  . |
 Mucicarmine stain highlights the mucopolysaccharide capsule characteristic of Cryptococcus  . (Courtesy B. Smoller, MD.) |
TERMINOLOGY
Synonyms
Cryptococcosis, torulosis, European blastomycosis, Busse-Buschke disease
Definitions
Infection by fungus Cryptococcus neoformans
Most common cause of systemic mycosis in patients with AIDS
Usually hematogenously disseminated disease with multiorgan system involvement
ETIOLOGY/PATHOGENESIS
Environmental Exposure
Widespread in nature
Ubiquitous saprophyte of soil; acquired by inhalation
Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel
Full access? Get Clinical Tree
