C. Neoforman Research Paper

Cryptococcus neoformans is an encapsulated yeast and an obligate aerobe that lives in the environment throughout the world both in plants and animals. It is often found in bird excrement.
People can get infected with C. neoformans through breathing in the microscopic fungus, although most people who get exposed to the fungus never get sick from it. Most cases of this infection occur in people who have weakened immune system, mainly those who have HIV/AIDS.
In 1894, Busse, a pathologist, first described the yeast in a paper he presented to the Greifswald Medical Society. Busse isolated the yeast from the tibia of a 31 year old woman, noted its resistance to sodium hydroxide, and published the case report that same year.
Since the initial reports,
neoformans and C. neoformans var. grubii. A third variety, C. neoformans var. gattii, was defined as a different species distinct from the rest, Cryptococcus gattii.
Where does C. neoformans live?
C. neoformans lives in our environment throughout the world. The fungus is typically found in the soil, decaying woods and in bird droppings.
How does someone get C. neoformans infection?
C. neoformans infections are not contagious. Both humans and animals can get the infection after inhaling the microscopic fungus from the environment. Research shows that people may be exposed to C. neoformans in the environment when they are children. Most people who breathe in this fungus never get sick from
neoformans causes Cryptococcal Meningitis in the brain. This is an infection caused after the fungus spreads from the lungs to the brain. Some of the symptoms of cryptococcal meningitis include:
• Headache
• Fever
• Neck pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Light Sensitivity
• Confusion or changes in behavior

LABORATORY DIAGNOSIS OF C. neoformans
The procedure in patients with suspected cryptococcosis includes the following:
• Skin lesions: Biopsy with fungal stains and cultures
• Blood: Fungal culture, cryptococcal antigen testing and cryptococcal serology
• Cerebrospinal fluid(CSF): India ink smear, fungal culture and cryptococcal antigen testing
• Culture of bronchoalveolar lavage washings in AIDS patients with cryptococcal pneumonia
In the case of pulmonary cryptococcosis, radiographic findings in patients who are asymptomatic and immunocompetent may include the following:
• Patchy pneumonitis
• Graulomas ranging from 2-8 cm
• Miliary disease similar to those in the case of tuberculosis

MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENT
Pulmonary Cryptococcus resolves without specific therapy in most patients that are immunocompromised. Antifungal therapy is necessary for the