CRYPTOCOCCUS
Known as: C. neoformans
About: Fungus in the form of yeasts
Microscope: Round or oval shaped cells with spore cells gathered on top before they break away into the environment
What can it do: Can cause an illness known as crytococcosis which can affect the brain and the central nervous system and other parts of the body.
Help: Cryptococcus infections are usually treated with antifungal medications depending on symptoms. In cases where severe lung symptoms occur, antibiotic to treat infections may also be given alongside other symptom specific treatments. The antifungal medication may be given for up to 6 months duration.
Infectious rating: Cryptococcus is contracted by inhaling the fungus spores when breathing in. It cannot be passed from person to person and so is not considered infectious. C Neoformans is found worldwide and most people that are exposed to it do not get sick.
I feel sick: Although most people come into contact with C Neoformans during their childhood, they do not get sick. Illness usually occurs in immune compromised people. C Neoformans can live dormant in the body waiting for the right conditions to create infection such as when a person is ill already and has a weakened immunity.
Lung symptoms: Can cause pneumonia like symptoms including cough, shortness of breath, chest pain and fever.
Brain symptoms: Headache, fever, neck pain, nausea and vomiting, confusion and changes in behaviour and sensitivity to light. This form of the illness is called cryptococcus meningitis.
GEOGRAPHY AND STATISTICS
Cryptococcus is found worldwide and is not specifically found in one area of the world.
About: Fungus in the form of yeasts
Microscope: Round or oval shaped cells with spore cells gathered on top before they break away into the environment
What can it do: Can cause an illness known as crytococcosis which can affect the brain and the central nervous system and other parts of the body.
Help: Cryptococcus infections are usually treated with antifungal medications depending on symptoms. In cases where severe lung symptoms occur, antibiotic to treat infections may also be given alongside other symptom specific treatments. The antifungal medication may be given for up to 6 months duration.
Infectious rating: Cryptococcus is contracted by inhaling the fungus spores when breathing in. It cannot be passed from person to person and so is not considered infectious. C Neoformans is found worldwide and most people that are exposed to it do not get sick.
I feel sick: Although most people come into contact with C Neoformans during their childhood, they do not get sick. Illness usually occurs in immune compromised people. C Neoformans can live dormant in the body waiting for the right conditions to create infection such as when a person is ill already and has a weakened immunity.
Lung symptoms: Can cause pneumonia like symptoms including cough, shortness of breath, chest pain and fever.
Brain symptoms: Headache, fever, neck pain, nausea and vomiting, confusion and changes in behaviour and sensitivity to light. This form of the illness is called cryptococcus meningitis.
GEOGRAPHY AND STATISTICS
Cryptococcus is found worldwide and is not specifically found in one area of the world.