$Unique_ID{BRK03638} $Pretitle{} $Title{Cryptococcosis} $Subject{Cryptococcosis Cryptococcic Meningitis Cryptococcosis Skin Cryptococcosis Lung European Blastomycosis Torulosis Torular Meningitis Busse-Buschke Disease Meningitis Blastomycosis Toxoplasmosis} $Volume{} $Log{} Copyright (C) 1987, 1989 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. 384: Cryptococcosis ** IMPORTANT ** It is possible the main title of the article (Cryptococcosis) is not the name you expected. Please check the SYNONYMS listing on the next page to find alternate names, disorder subdivisions, and related disorders covered by this article. Synonyms Cryptococcic Meningitis Cryptococcosis Skin Cryptococcosis Lung European Blastomycosis Torulosis Torular Meningitis Busse-Buschke Disease Information on the following diseases can be found in the Related Disorders section of this report: Meningitis Blastomycosis Toxoplasmosis General Discussion ** REMINDER ** The information contained in the Rare Disease Database is provided for educational purposes only. It should not be used for diagnostic or treatment purposes. If you wish to obtain more information about this disorder, please contact your personal physician and/or the agencies listed in the "Resources" section of this report. Cryptococcosis is caused by a fungus known as Filobasidiella Neoformans or Cryptococcosis Neoformans. The infection can be spread to humans through contact with pigeon droppings or unwashed raw fruit. Contact with an infected individual may also spread the infection. Persons with disorders characterized by lowered immunity are at high risk to contract these infections. Cryptococcosis can appear in various forms depending on how the infection is acquired. The prognosis is generally favorable for persons who receive prompt treatment when the symptoms become noticeable. Meningitis can occur as a serious complication. In some cases, this infection can be fatal if left untreated. Symptoms Cryptococcosis can affect various areas of the body, usually depending on how the fungal infection is acquired. Infection acquired via the respiratory route is the most common form of this disorder. Initially involving the lungs, it may later spread to the kidneys, bones and skin. When the central nervous system is involved, symptoms may include blurred vision, severe headaches, dizziness, loss of muscle coordination (ataxia), vomiting, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), memory disturbance and convulsions. The intestinal tract, kidneys, liver or spleen may be affected in some cases. In other forms of Cryptococcosis, symptoms can be limited to the lungs, or on the skin it may resemble acne. In some cases, relapses may occur if therapy is not continued for long periods of time. This occurs in approximately fifteen percent of cases. Causes Cryptococcosis is caused by a fungus known as Filobasidiella Neoformans or Cryptococcus Neoformans. It is spread by contact with pigeon droppings, unwashed raw fruit or by infected individuals. People with immune deficiencies or lowered immunity (such as people undergoing cancer chemotherapy or organ transplants) are at high risk for contracting this fungal infection. Affected Population Cryptococcosis occurs worldwide. In the United States it occurs predominately in the Southeastern states and usually in adults aged forty to sixty years of age. It tends to occur more often in males than females. Individuals with disorders involving reduced or impaired immunity to infection are particularly at risk. Related Disorders Meningitis is a possible complication of Cryptococcosis. Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. There are many types of Meningitis, caused by many different infectious agents with the severity of infection ranging from mild to severe. Blastomycosis is a fungal disease involving the lungs, sometimes the skin and other organs. It occurs primarily in the southeastern and Mississippi Valley areas of the United States. However, it has also been found in the north central part of the U.S., Canada, and in parts of Africa. Frequent contact with soil appears to be associated with the disease. It affects men far more frequently than women. Untreated Blastomycosis may be progressively fatal within several months, but appropriate treatment can be very effective. (For more information on this disorder, choose "Blastomycosis" as your search term in the Rare Disease Database). Toxoplasmosis is an infectious disease that can be caused by contact with a microscopic parasitic organism called Toxoplasma gondii. This parasitic infection, found worldwide, can be either acquired or present at birth. The congenital type is a result of a maternal infection during pregnancy which is transmitted to the fetus, and involves lesions of the central nervous system. These lesions may lead to blindness and brain dysfunction. The disorder may be most severe when it is transmitted to the fetus during the second through the sixth month of pregnancy. Only 20% to 80% of those affected will show the presence of toxoplasmosis antibodies when tested. (For more information on this disorder, choose "Toxoplasmosis" as your search term in the Rare Disease Database). Therapies: Standard Antibiotics are used to treat Cryptococcosis including Amphotericin B and Flucytosine, alone or in combination. These should be monitored carefully by a physician to avoid side effects. Other possible drugs include Miconazole and Ketoconazole. Individuals with lowered immunity, or under immune suppressive therapy, such as cancer chemotherapy or treatment for organ transplants who contract infections should be under prolonged drug therapy to prevent relapses. Therapies: Investigational This disease entry is based upon medical information available through September 1989. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder. Resources For more information on Cryptococcosis, please contact: National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) P.O. Box 8923 New Fairfield, CT 06812-1783 (203) 746-6518 NIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infections Diseases (NIAID) 9000 Rockville Pike Bethesda, MD 20892 (301) 496-5717 Centers for Disease Control (CDC) 1600 Clifton Road, NE Atlanta, GA 30333 (404) 639-3534 NIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders & Stroke (NINDS) 9000 Rockville Pike Bethesda, MD 20892 (301) 496-5751 (800) 352-9424 References CRYPTOCOCCAL MENINGITIS: T.L. Tjia, et al.; J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry (September 1985, issue 48(9)). Pp. 853-858. CRYPTOCOCCAL MENINGITIS: R. Biniek, et al.; Nervenarzt (January 1986, issue 57(1)). Pp. 47-55. CLINICAL SPECTRUM OF INFECTIONS IN PATIENTS WITH HTLV-III-ASSOCIATED DISEASES: J.W. Gold; Cancer Res (September 1985, issue 45(9 Suppl)). Pp. 4652s-4654s.