A photomicrograph of Cryptococcus
Cryptococcosis is a fungal infection caused by fungi that belong to the genus Cryptococcus. There are over 30 different species of Cryptococcus, but two species – Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii – cause nearly all cryptococcal infections in humans and animals. Most people who develop cryptococcosis have weakened immune systems, although healthy people can also become infected, particularly with C. gattii.
For more information about cryptococcal infections in animals, visit the Healthy Pets web page.
For other Fungal topics, visit the Fungal Homepage.
C. gattii cryptococcosis Topics
Definition
What is C. gattii cryptococcosis?…
Symptoms
Shortness of breath, cough, and fever…
Risk & Prevention
Who gets it and how it can be prevented…
Sources of Infection
Inhalation of spores from the environment…
Diagnosis & Testing
See your health care provider, sample tissue, clinical diagnosis…
Treatment & Outcomes
Antifungal treatment, resolution of symptoms…
Additional Information
Resources and publications…
Statistics
Incidence, surveillance…
Case Reporting
CDC conducts surveillance for C. gattii infections occurring throughout the United States. If you are a physician treating a patient with a confirmed C. gattii infection, please fill out the case report form [PDF - 7 pages] and fax back to the number indicated on the form. For information on how to confirm a C. gattii infection in a patient with cryptococcosis, please contact the Mycotic Diseases Branch.
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