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Size Matters: Measurement of Capsule Diameter in Cryptococcus neoformans
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Size Matters: Measurement of Capsule Diameter in Cryptococcus neoformans

Published on: February 27, 2018

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A holistic review on Cryptococcus neoformans

Sudarshan Singh Rathore1, Jananishree Sathiyamoorthy2, Cheepurupalli Lalitha2

  • 1Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID), School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA University, Tirumalaisamudram, Thanjavur, 613401, Tamilnadu, India; CSIR- Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research, Dhanbad, Jharkhand, India.

Microbial Pathogenesis
|April 18, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Cryptococcus neoformans is a fungal pathogen causing life-threatening meningitis in immunocompromised individuals, particularly in low-income countries. This review details its virulence factors, survival strategies, and global impact.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Cryptococcus neoformans is a significant encapsulated fungal pathogen.
  • It disproportionately affects immunocompromised individuals (e.g., HIV/AIDS, transplant recipients).
  • Cryptococcal meningitis has a high mortality rate (up to 90%) and is a neglected global health issue.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the global distribution and classification of Cryptococcus species.
  • To elucidate the virulence factors and survival mechanisms of C. neoformans.
  • To highlight the pathogen's strategies for proliferation, dissemination, and causing cellular damage.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of worldwide distribution and classification.
  • Analysis of C. neoformans virulence factors (capsule, melanin, biofilm).
  • Discussion of pathogen survival, proliferation, and dissemination mechanisms.

Main Results:

  • Cryptococcus spp. are major invasive fungal pathogens.
  • Morphological features like capsule size and melanin influence infection.
  • Virulence factors enable intracellular survival, proliferation, and dissemination.

Conclusions:

  • C. neoformans poses a severe threat, especially in low-resource settings.
  • Understanding its virulence is crucial for developing effective treatments.
  • Further research into its complex strategies is needed to combat cryptococcal disease.
Keywords:
Anti fungal agentsCryptococcus neoformansHost-pathogen interactionOpportunistic infectionsVirulence factors

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