Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 5, 2025
11:07
Macrophage Cholesterol Depletion and Its Effect on the Phagocytosis of Cryptococcus neoformans
Published on: December 19, 2014
12.9K
Cryptococcosis.
Alexis C Gushiken1, Kapil K Saharia1, John W Baddley1
1Division of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 725 West Lombard Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
Infectious Disease Clinics of North America
|May 21, 2021
Summary
Cryptococcosis, a serious fungal infection, remains a global health challenge, especially for immunocompromised individuals. Advances in point-of-care testing aid diagnosis, but high mortality persists, particularly in resource-limited areas.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Cryptococcosis is a significant invasive fungal infection caused by *Cryptococcus* yeasts.
- Global burden is exacerbated by HIV prevalence and increasing immunocompromised populations.
- High incidence and mortality rates persist, especially in resource-limited settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the current understanding of cryptococcosis.
- To highlight the role of diagnostics and management strategies.
- To underscore the persistent challenges in controlling this infection.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on cryptococcosis epidemiology, diagnosis, and management.
- Analysis of the impact of HIV and immunocompromised states on disease burden.
- Evaluation of point-of-care serologic testing and therapeutic approaches.
Main Results:
- Point-of-care testing enables rapid diagnosis and screening, particularly in resource-limited settings.
- Management focuses on reducing fungal load, managing intracranial pressure, and optimizing host immunity.
- Despite advances, cryptococcosis remains a disease with high incidence and mortality.
Conclusions:
- Cryptococcosis continues to pose a substantial global health threat.
- Effective management requires a multi-faceted approach including diagnostics and host-directed therapies.
- Addressing disparities in resource-limited settings is crucial to reduce mortality.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Fungal Phylum Microsporidia
215
Microsporidia are a group of obligate intracellular fungi that were initially classified as protists but were later reclassified based on phylogenetic, molecular, and structural evidence linking them to the Chytridiomycota. These unicellular, non-motile organisms are highly specialized parasites that infect a wide range of animal hosts, including humans. They have evolved extensive genomic and metabolic reductions, making them highly dependent on their hosts for survival.Morphology and Genomic...
215
01:29Fungal Group Zygomycota
460
Zygomycota, previously classified as a distinct fungal group, are primarily terrestrial, saprophytic molds that play a crucial role as decomposers. Recent phylogenetic studies have revealed that these fungi are now divided into two major clades — Mucoromycota, which includes many symbiotic species, and Zoopagomycota, which primarily consists of parasitic and pathogenic fungi. These groups exhibit distinct ecological roles and reproductive strategies while sharing key structural and...
460
01:23Cystic Fibrosis: Pathogenesis
503
Cystic fibrosis (CF), an autosomal recessive disorder, significantly affects the function of exocrine glands. This genetically inherited disease is characterized by the production of thick and sticky mucus, which can severely affect various organs and systems in the body.
CF is primarily caused by a genetic mutation in a chromosome 7 gene coding for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. The most common gene mutation leading to CF is the ΔF508 mutation,...
CF is primarily caused by a genetic mutation in a chromosome 7 gene coding for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. The most common gene mutation leading to CF is the ΔF508 mutation,...
503
01:23Skin Diseases and Disorders
4.5K
Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
4.5K
01:27Diversity of Protists II
576
Alveolates are a group of organisms recognized by the presence of alveoli, which are cytoplasmic sacs located beneath the cell membrane. While their function remains uncertain, alveoli may help regulate water balance by controlling how much water enters and leaves the cell. In dinoflagellates, these structures may serve as armor plates. There are three major types of alveolates: ciliates, which move using cilia; dinoflagellates, which use flagella for movement; and apicomplexans, which are...
576
01:28Fungal Phylum Ascomycota
391
Phylum Ascomycota, a major division within the subkingdom Dikarya, comprises a diverse range of fungal species, including both unicellular yeasts and filamentous molds such as Aspergillus and Penicillium. These fungi thrive in a variety of habitats, from aquatic ecosystems to terrestrial environments, playing crucial ecological and economic roles.Morphology and ReproductionThe defining characteristic of Ascomycetes, commonly referred to as sac fungi, is the ascus—a sac-like structure that...
391