Introduction to cryptococcosis
Cryptococcosis is an invasive fungal infection, which predominantly occurs in patients with immune compromise (eg patients with human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] infection, patients with malignancy, organ transplant recipients). It is caused by Cryptococcus gattii (particularly in patients without immune compromise) or Cryptococcus neoformans (particularly in patients with immune compromise).
This topic provides advice on diagnosing and assessing cryptococcosis; the clinical presentation of cryptococcal meningitis and pulmonary cryptococcosis; and an approach to managing cryptococcosis.
Consultation with a clinician experienced in the management of cryptococcosis is essential. For more detailed information about management, see the Consensus guidelines for the diagnosis and management of cryptococcosis and rare yeast infections in the haematology/oncology setting.