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Updated: Feb 15, 2026
10:02
Visualizing Non-lytic Exocytosis of Cryptococcus neoformans from Macrophages Using Digital Light Microscopy
Published on: October 21, 2014
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Cryptococcus: Shedding New Light on an Inveterate Yeast
1Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15240, USA. haidarg@upmc.edu.
Journal of Fungi (Basel, Switzerland)
|January 30, 2018
Summary
Cryptococcus is a growing threat to immunocompromised individuals. This review covers new challenges in cryptococcal infections, including donor transmission, cirrhosis, diagnostics, immune reconstitution syndrome, and Cryptococcus gatti.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunocompromised Host Pathogens
Background:
- Cryptococcus is a significant pathogen in immunocompromised patients.
- Established diagnostics and treatments exist, but new challenges are emerging.
- Areas of ambiguity require further clinical consideration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent literature on emerging issues in cryptococcal infections.
- To address diagnostic and treatment ambiguities.
- To highlight new challenges posed by Cryptococcus species.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on recent progress.
- Synthesis of information on specific clinical scenarios and emerging species.
- Focus on advancements in understanding and managing cryptococcosis.
Main Results:
- Potential for donor transmission of Cryptococcus identified.
- Cirrhosis-associated cryptococcosis, especially in transplant candidates, is a concern.
- Utility of serum cryptococcal antigen testing in high-prevalence, low-resource settings is discussed.
- Pathogenesis and treatment of immune reconstitution syndrome (IRS) in relation to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and immunosuppressants are examined.
- Emerging challenges associated with Cryptococcus gatti species are addressed.
Conclusions:
- Further research and clinical vigilance are needed for cryptococcal infections.
- Addressing donor transmission, cirrhosis-associated cases, and IRS is crucial.
- New diagnostic strategies and management approaches for emerging Cryptococcus species are essential.
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