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Chapter 3--pulmonary cryptococcosis

Cecília Bittencourt Severo1, Alexandra Flávia Gazzoni, Luiz Carlos Severo

  • 1Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.

Jornal Brasileiro De Pneumologia : Publicacao Oficial Da Sociedade Brasileira De Pneumologia E Tisilogia
|December 17, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Cryptococcosis, a fungal infection caused by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii, affects both immunocompromised and healthy individuals. It can lead to severe meningoencephalitis, with increased medical relevance due to AIDS and organ transplants.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Cryptococcosis is a systemic fungal infection caused by encapsulated basidiomycetes, primarily Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii.
  • Cryptococcus neoformans typically infects immunocompromised individuals, while Cryptococcus gattii can affect even those with normal immune systems.
  • T-cell deficiencies significantly increase susceptibility to cryptococcal infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the epidemiology and clinical spectrum of cryptococcosis.
  • To highlight the increasing medical significance of this mycosis.
  • To discuss the impact of the AIDS epidemic and organ transplantation on cryptococcosis.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of cryptococcosis.
  • Analysis of clinical case studies.
  • Epidemiological data synthesis.

Main Results:

  • Cryptococcosis presents a wide spectrum of disease, from asymptomatic pulmonary lesions to disseminated meningoencephalitis.
  • The incidence and severity of cryptococcosis have risen notably.
  • Immunocompromised states, particularly T-cell deficiencies, are key risk factors.

Conclusions:

  • Cryptococcosis remains a significant global health concern, particularly in the context of immunosuppression.
  • The emergence of HIV/AIDS and advancements in organ transplantation have underscored the importance of understanding and managing cryptococcosis.
  • Further research into pathogenesis and treatment is warranted.

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