Initial symptoms of cryptococcosis include fever, fatigue, and a dry cough. In immunocompromised patients, infections often disseminate to the brain. The resulting meningitis produces headaches, sensitivity to light, and confusion. If left untreated, the disease can be fatal.

Signs and Symptoms of Cryptococcosis

Treatment of cryptococcosis involves Amphotericin B, in combination with flucytosine. Amphotericin B is a broad-spectrum antifungal drug that targets fungal cell membranes. It can also adversely impact host cells and produce side effects. Clinicians must carefully balance the risks and benefits of treatments in these patients. It is difficult to eradicate cryptococcal infections, so patients usually need to take fluconazole for up to 6 months after treatment with amphotericin B and flucytosine to clear the fungus.

Treatment of Cryptococcosis

Cryptococcosis is often diagnosed based on microscopic examination of lung tissues or cerebrospinal fluids. India ink preparations can be used to visualize the extensive capsules that surround the yeast cells. Serological tests are also available to confirm the diagnosis.

Diagnosis of Cryptococcosis

*Cryptococcus neoformans* is ubiquitous in the soil and can be isolated from bird feces. Immunocompromised people are infected by inhaling basidiospores found in aerosols. The thick polysaccharide capsule surrounding these microbes enables them to avoid clearance by the alveolar macrophage. In immunocompromised patients, pulmonary infections often disseminate to the brain.

Pathogenesis of *Cryptococcus neoformans*

Cryptococcosis is a respiratory infection caused by *Cryptococcus neoformans*

Austin Community College

Exposure to various fungi can lead to infections of the respiratory system. Some of the diseases caused by fungi include:
 - Histoplasmosis
 - Coccidioidomycosis
 - Blastomycosis
 - Mucormycosis
 - Aspergillosis
 - Pneumocystis Pneumonia
 - Cryptococcosis

The Different Fungal Infections of the Respiratory System 

https://openstax.org/details/books/microbiology/

Microbiology covers the scope and sequence requirements for a single-semester microbiology course for non-majors. The book presents the core concepts of microbiology with a focus on applications for careers in allied health. The pedagogical features of the text make the material interesting and accessible while maintaining the career-application focus and scientific rigor inherent in the subject matter. Microbiology’s art program enhances students’ understanding of concepts through clear and effective illustrations, diagrams, and photographs.

Microbiology is produced through a collaborative publishing agreement between OpenStax and the American Society for Microbiology Press. The book aligns with the curriculum guidelines of the American Society for Microbiology.

OpenStax Microbiology Textbook

Histoplasmosis most commonly occurs in the Mississippi Valley of the United States, and is commonly referred to as the "Mississippi Valley Fever." It is acquired by inhaling microconidial spores in the air. It not transmitted from human to human. The causative agent is *Histoplasma capsulatum.*

Histoplasmosis

Coccidioidomycosis is acquired by inhaling fungal spores. Because the microbe is endemic to the San Joaquin Valley of California, the disease is sometimes referred to as "Valley fever." Coccidioidomycosis is caused by *Coccidioides immitis.*

Coccidioidomycosis

Blastomycosis is a rare disease caused by *Blastomyces dermatitidis.*

Blastomycosis

Mucormycosis is a rare fungal infection caused by a variety of fungi. including include bread molds, like *Rhizopus* and *Mucor*; the most commonly associated species is *Rhizopus arrhizus* 

Mucormycosis

aspergillosis is caused by the inhalation of *Aspergillus* spores

Aspergillosis

Cryptococcosis

Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is a type of pneumonia and is caused by *Pneumocystis jirovecii.*

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