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$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.