FUNGAL MENINGITIS

Cryptococcus neoformans and

Cryptococcus gatti
are the most common causes of fungal menigitis
other causes are Histoplasma capsulatum and Coccidiodes
immitis

India ink preparation demonstrating the capsule Of

Cryptococcus neoformans
C. neoformans is an encapsulated yeast, a common saprophyte of the
soil particularly soil enriched with pigeon droppings. It is
monomorphic (exists only as yeast) and of low virulence.

It is distributed worldwide. The fungus is opportunistic and only cause

infection in immunocompromised individuals and infections tend to be
severe and fatal.

Its virulence is mainly due to its capsule and its ability to produce
melanin, both of which protect C. neoformans from phagocytosis. It is
able to grow at 37°C.
Mode of Transmission

• Cryptococcal meningitis is acquired by inhalation of the fungus

from the environment.

• Infection spreads from the lungs into the blood, affecting the CNS.
Clinical Findings

The patients may experience headaches, nausea, vomiting, loss of

vision, and other fie neurologic findings of several weeks'
duration. The classical manifestation of meningismus usually
absent in cryptococcosis.