ISSN: 1080-6059
[krip´´ to-kok´əs ne´´o for-mənz], from the Greek—krypto (hidden), kokkos (berry), neos (new); and Latin—forma (form)
C. neoformans is an encapsulated yeastlike fungus of the family Cryptococcaceae. It was first described in 1894 by German pathologist Otto Busse, who observed the cells in a tumor from the tibia of a woman with sarcoma. Found worldwide in nests and droppings of pigeons, it is the most common species that causes cryptococcosis in humans. The effects range from asymptomatic infection to meningitis, pneumonia, or disseminated disease. The crucial factor is the immune status of the host. With the global emergence of AIDS, the incidence of cryptococcosis is increasing and now represents a major life-threatening infection in these patients.
Sources: Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary, 31st edition. Philadelphia: Saunders Elsevier; 2007; http://www.emedicine.com/med/TOPIC482.HTM
Please contact the EID Editors at eideditor@cdc.gov
The opinions expressed by authors contributing to this journal do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Public Health Service, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or the authors' affiliated institutions. Use of trade names is for identification only and does not imply endorsement by any of the groups named above.
This page posted April 26, 2008
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30333, U.S.A
Tel: (404) 639-3311 / Public Inquiries: (404) 639-3534 / (800) 311-3435