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Cryptococcus Infection (cryptococcosis) and Animals What is Cryptococcus infection (cryptococcosis)? Cryptococcosis (Krip-toe-coc-o-sis) is a fungal disease caused by Cryptococcus neoformans. Most people do not get sick with cryptococcosis, but some people are more likely than others to get this disease. For these people, cryptococcosis can cause serious symptoms of brain and spinal cord disease, such as headaches, dizziness, sleepiness, and confusion. Can animals transmit cryptococcosis to me? Yes, but not directly. Cryptococcus neoformans is found in the droppings of wild birds (such as pigeons). When dried bird droppings are stirred up, this can make dust containing Cryptococcus go into the air. People can stir up this dust and then breathe it in when they work, play, or walk in areas where birds have been. Pets, such as dogs and cats, can also get sick with cryptococcosis from this dust, but people do not get cryptococcosis from dogs and cats. A person's
age and health status may affect his or her immune system, increasing
the chances of getting sick. People who are more likely than others to
get cryptococcosis include infants, children younger than 5 years old,
organ transplant patients, people with HIV/AIDS, and people receiving
treatment for cancer. How can I find out more about cryptococcosis? Learn more about the disease by referring to CDC's Cryptococcus site. . |
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