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Updated: Sep 25, 2025
Automated Measurement of Cryptococcal Species Polysaccharide Capsule and Cell Body
Published on: January 11, 2018
Cryptococcus spp. and Cryptococcosis: focusing on the infection in Brazil
Fabíolla Nacimento do Carmo1, Juliana de Camargo Fenley1, Maíra Terra Garcia1
1Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Av. Engenheiro Francisco José Longo, 777, São José dos Campos, São Paulo, 12245-000, Brazil.
Abstract:
Cryptococcosis is a global fungal infection caused by the Cryptococcus neoformans/Cryptococcus gattii yeast complex. This infection is acquired by inhalation of propagules such as basidiospores or dry yeast, initially causing lung infections with the possibility of progressing to the meninges. This infection mainly affects immunocompromised HIV and transplant patients; however, immunocompetent patients can also be affected. This review proposes to evaluate cryptococcosis focusing on studies of this mycosis in Brazilian territory; moreover, recent advances in the understanding of its virulence mechanism, animal models in research are also assessed. For this, literature review as realized in PubMed, Scielo, and Brazilian legislation. In Brazil, cryptococcosis has been identified as one of the most lethal fungal infections among HIV patients and C. neoformans VNI and C. gattii VGII are the most prevalent genotypes. Moreover, different clinical settings published in Brazil were described. As in other countries, cryptococcosis is difficult to treat due to a limited therapeutic arsenal, which is highly toxic and costly. The presence of a polysaccharide capsule, thermo-tolerance, production of melanin, biofilm formation, mechanisms for iron use, and morphological alterations is an important virulence mechanism of these yeasts. The introduction of cryptococcosis as a compulsory notification disease could improve data regarding incidence and help in the management of these infections.
Insights
Cryptococcosis, a serious fungal infection, is a major threat to HIV patients in Brazil. Understanding its virulence and improving reporting are key to better management of this lethal disease.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Cryptococcosis is a global fungal infection caused by the Cryptococcus neoformans/Cryptococcus gattii yeast complex.
- Acquired via inhalation, it primarily affects immunocompromised individuals (HIV, transplant recipients) but can also impact immunocompetent hosts.
- The infection can progress from the lungs to the meninges, posing a significant health risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review cryptococcosis studies specifically within the Brazilian territory.
- To assess recent advancements in understanding the virulence mechanisms of Cryptococcus species.
- To evaluate the role of animal models in cryptococcosis research.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature review was conducted using databases such as PubMed and Scielo.
- Brazilian legislation pertaining to infectious diseases was also examined.
- Studies focusing on clinical settings and prevalent genotypes in Brazil were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Cryptococcosis is identified as one of the most lethal fungal infections in Brazilian HIV patients.
- The most prevalent genotypes in Brazil are Cryptococcus neoformans VNI and Cryptococcus gattii VGII.
- Treatment remains challenging due to a limited, toxic, and costly therapeutic arsenal.
Conclusions:
- Key virulence factors include a polysaccharide capsule, thermo-tolerance, melanin production, biofilm formation, iron acquisition mechanisms, and morphological alterations.
- Making cryptococcosis a compulsory notification disease could enhance incidence data collection and disease management.
- Further research into virulence and improved public health strategies are crucial for combating this mycosis.
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