A usually harmless fungus that is acquired via the respiratory tract with a primary focus in the lungs. It is spread to the lining
(the meninges) of the brain and spinal cord, but may also spread to the kidneys and skin. The most common form is meningitis with headaches, blurred vision, confusion, depression, agitation, or inappropriate speech. Difficult to cure in persons with AIDS because it frequently reoccurs and the drug to treat it is highly toxic, Cryptococcus can be fatal.