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Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Automated Measurement of Cryptococcal Species Polysaccharide Capsule and Cell Body
Published on: January 11, 2018
Unusual morphological forms of Cryptococcus neoformans in cerebrospinal fluid
1Department of Clinical Microbiology and Medicine, Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences, Pondicherry - 605 006, India.
Abstract:
Cryptococcal meningitis is recognized as one of the AIDS defining conditions. It acts as a diagnostic marker for further investigations to establish the retroviral infection. Cryptococcus neoformans can be readily identified by its characteristic capsulated morphology. But rarely variations in morphology may be seen. We report a case of chronic meningitis in an AIDS patient whose cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) stained with India ink showed elliptical, peanut shaped and pseudomycelial large yeast cells with thick capsules. The organism was cultured and identified as Cryptococcus neoformans var neoformans. Unusual morphological forms may create diagnostic dilemma in the rapid diagnosis of cryptococcal meningitis.
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Cryptococcal Meningitis
Microbial Morphologies
Cerebrospinal Fluid
CSF Production
CSF is produced mainly in the choroid plexus, a network of capillaries and ependymal cells located within the ventricular system of the brain.
Fungal Phylum Microsporidia
Viral Meningitis
Fungal Group Zygomycota

