A capsulate yeast which can infect humans. Can give rise to a cry ptococcoma in the lung and maylead to cryptococcal meningitis. One species with two subspecies recognised, Cryptococcus neoformans neoformans in which human infection is associated with pigeon droppings and C. neoformans gattii associated with Red River Gums.
A genus of yeasts. Cryptococcus neoformans is widespread in nature, and is present in particularly large numbers in the faeces of pigeons. It occasionally infects humans, as a result of the inhalation of dust contaminated by the faeces of pigeons – causing the disease known as CRYPTOCOCCOSIS.
n. a genus of unicellular yeastlike fungi that cause disease in humans. They are found in soil (particularly when enriched with pigeon droppings), and they are common in pigeon roosts and nests. The species C. neoformans causes *cryptococcosis.
Cryptococcosis is a rare disease due to infection with a yeast known as Cryptococcus neoformans. Around 5–10 cases are diagnosed annually in the United Kingdom. It usually involves the lungs in the ?rst instance, but may spread to the MENINGES and other parts of the body, including the skin. As a rule, the disease responds well to treatment with AMPHOTERICIN B, clotrimazole, and ?ucytosine.... cryptococcosis
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