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Automated Measurement of Cryptococcal Species Polysaccharide Capsule and Cell Body
Published on: January 11, 2018
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Predictors of Cryptococcus gattii Clinical Presentation and Outcome: An International Study
Eleni Galanis1,2, Laura MacDougall2, Caren Rose1,2
1Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Summary
Cryptococcus gattii infection site depends on the fungal lineage, with variety gattii I (VGI) linked to CNS disease. Older age and comorbidities increase mortality risk in C. gattii patients.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Mycology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Cryptococcus gattii infections can cause pulmonary or central nervous system (CNS) disease.
- Factors influencing infection site and disease severity, such as C. gattii species/lineages or host comorbidities, remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify factors associated with the site of C. gattii infection and patient mortality.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of 258 C. gattii cases from Australia, Canada, and the US (1999-2011).
- Unadjusted and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate factors associated with infection site and mortality in hospitalized cases (N=218).
Main Results:
- Cases with CNS/extrapulmonary disease were younger, more likely to be from Australia, and infected with variety gattii I (VGI) lineage.
- VGI infection was associated with a 9-fold increased odds of CNS/extrapulmonary disease (aOR=9.21).
- Older age (≥70 years), chronic lung disease, and immunocompromised status were associated with increased mortality risk.
Conclusions:
- C. gattii species and lineage correlate with infection site but not mortality risk.
- Older age and comorbidities significantly increase the risk of death in hospitalized C. gattii patients.
