Cryptococcosis

**Definition:** A disease caused by an infection with the fungi Cryptococcus neoformans or Cryptococcus gattii. This disease commonly presents with shortness of breath, cough, fever, fatigue, or headache. Transmission is by inhalation of fungal spores. Confirmation is by identification of Cryptococcus neoformans or Cryptococcus gattii in a blood, sputum, or cerebrospinal fluid sample.

**Long definition:** Cryptococcosis is an infection caused by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii. The organism infects the body through the lungs. Once inhaled, infection may be asymptomatic and resolve spontaneously, or present as pneumonia, with subsequent haematogenous dissemination to other organs. Disseminated infection is more common in immunocompromised persons, and may occur following years of latent infection. The central nervous system is the most common site of disease after the lungs.