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| {{CMG}}
| | #REDIRECT [[Cryptococcus neoformans]] |
| {{Cryptococcosis}}
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| ==Overview==
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| ==Causes==
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| Cryptococcosis is a defining opportunistic infection for [[AIDS]], although patients with [[Hodgkin's]] or other [[lymphomas]] or [[sarcoidosis]] or those receiving long-term [[corticosteroid]] therapy are also at increased risk.
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| Distribution is worldwide. The prevalence of cryptococcosis has been increasing over the past 20 years for many reasons, including the increase in indicence of AIDS and the expanded use of immunosuppressive drugs.
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| In humans, ''C. neoformans'' causes three types of infections:
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| * Wound or [[cutaneous]] cryptococcosis
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| * [[Pulmonary]] cryptococcosis, and
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| * Cryptococcal [[meningitis]].
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| Cryptococcal meningitis (infection of the brain) is believed to result from dissemination of the fungus from either an observed or unappreciated pulmonary infection. ''[[Cryptococcus gattii]]'' causes infections in immunocompetent people (those having a functioning [[immune system]]), but ''C. neoformans v. grubii'', and ''v. neoformans'' usually only cause clinically evident infections in persons who have some form of defect in their immune systems (immunocompromised persons). People who have defects in their [[cell-mediated immunity]], for example, people with [[AIDS]], are especially susceptible to disseminated cryptococcosis. Cryptococcosis is often fatal, especially if untreated.
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| ==References==
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| {{Reflist|2}}
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| [[Category:Fungal diseases]]
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| [[Category:Disease]]
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