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Questions and Answers
What is the main virulence factor of Cryptococcus neoformans?
What is the main virulence factor of Cryptococcus neoformans?
How is Cryptococcus neoformans typically transmitted?
How is Cryptococcus neoformans typically transmitted?
What is a common symptom of Cryptococcus neoformans infection?
What is a common symptom of Cryptococcus neoformans infection?
What is the significance of the latex agglutination test in Cryptococcus neoformans diagnosis?
What is the significance of the latex agglutination test in Cryptococcus neoformans diagnosis?
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What is a characteristic pathological feature of Cryptococcus neoformans infection in the brain?
What is a characteristic pathological feature of Cryptococcus neoformans infection in the brain?
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What is the typical treatment for Cryptococcus neoformans infection?
What is the typical treatment for Cryptococcus neoformans infection?
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What is the reason why Cryptococcus neoformans can resist phagocytosis?
What is the reason why Cryptococcus neoformans can resist phagocytosis?
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Which of the following is a risk factor for developing Cryptococcus neoformans infection?
Which of the following is a risk factor for developing Cryptococcus neoformans infection?
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What is the significance of mucicarmine red or methanamine silver stains in diagnosing Cryptococcus neoformans?
What is the significance of mucicarmine red or methanamine silver stains in diagnosing Cryptococcus neoformans?
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What is the typical method of diagnosing Cryptococcus neoformans meningitis?
What is the typical method of diagnosing Cryptococcus neoformans meningitis?
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What is the significance of India ink in diagnosing Cryptococcus neoformans?
What is the significance of India ink in diagnosing Cryptococcus neoformans?
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What is the typical treatment for Cryptococcus neoformans infection after the initial joint therapy?
What is the typical treatment for Cryptococcus neoformans infection after the initial joint therapy?
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Study Notes
Cryptococcus neoformans
- Cryptococcus neoformans is transmitted through the inhalation of pigeon droppings contaminated with fungal spores.
- The fungus is heavily encapsulated, which makes it antiphagocytic and helps it evade the host's immune system.
Characteristics
- Cryptococcus neoformans has a repeating pattern of polysaccharide antigen, which is its main virulence factor.
- The fungus is urease positive.
Risk Factors and Symptoms
- Opportunistic infections can occur in individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those with HIV, taking high-dose steroids, or having malignancies.
- Pulmonary symptoms include cough, dyspnea, and other lung infections.
- The fungus can spread to the central nervous system (CNS) and cause meningitis, which can lead to permanent neuro deficits.
- Fever is a common symptom.
Diagnosis and Treatment
- Diagnosis involves lumbar puncture, and the fungus can be detected using India ink or mucicarmine red or methanamine silver stains.
- Latex agglutination tests can detect the polysaccharide antigen and cause agglutination.
- Treatment involves joint therapy with amphotericin B and flucytosine, followed by fluconazole.
Pathology
- The fungus can cause distinct pathology in the brain, characterized by soap bubble lesions.
- Bronchopulmonary washings of lung tissue may resemble soap bubbles.
Cryptococcus neoformans
- Cryptococcus neoformans is transmitted through the inhalation of pigeon droppings contaminated with fungal spores.
- The fungus is heavily encapsulated, which makes it antiphagocytic and helps it evade the host's immune system.
Characteristics
- Cryptococcus neoformans has a repeating pattern of polysaccharide antigen, which is its main virulence factor.
- The fungus is urease positive.
Risk Factors and Symptoms
- Opportunistic infections can occur in individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those with HIV, taking high-dose steroids, or having malignancies.
- Pulmonary symptoms include cough, dyspnea, and other lung infections.
- The fungus can spread to the central nervous system (CNS) and cause meningitis, which can lead to permanent neuro deficits.
- Fever is a common symptom.
Diagnosis and Treatment
- Diagnosis involves lumbar puncture, and the fungus can be detected using India ink or mucicarmine red or methanamine silver stains.
- Latex agglutination tests can detect the polysaccharide antigen and cause agglutination.
- Treatment involves joint therapy with amphotericin B and flucytosine, followed by fluconazole.
Pathology
- The fungus can cause distinct pathology in the brain, characterized by soap bubble lesions.
- Bronchopulmonary washings of lung tissue may resemble soap bubbles.
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