What is cerebral cryptococcosis?

CNS cryptococcosis results from infection of the central nervous system with the yeast-like fungus Cryptococcus neoformans. It is the most common fungal infection and second most common opportunistic infection of the central nervous system.

How does Cryptococcus neoformans invade the CNS?

Our findings indicate that C. neoformans cells invade the central nervous system by transcellular crossing of the endothelium of the BBB.

What part of the body does cryptococcosis affect?

Cryptococcosis may appear in various forms depending on how the infection is acquired. In most cases, the infection begins in the lungs (pulmonary form) and may then spread to the brain, urinary tract, skin, and/or bones (disseminated form).

How does Cryptococcus cross the blood brain barrier?

In addition, Cryptococcus neoformans-derived microvesicles may contribute to cryptococcal brain invasion. Paracellularly, Cryptococcus may traverse across BBB using either routes utilizing plasmin, ammonia or macrophages in a Trojan horse mechanism.

What causes cryptococcal disease?

Cryptococcal disease is caused by the fungus Cryptococcus. The fungus is found worldwide in the environment in places such as decaying organic matter, trees, soil and bird droppings. The disease is mostly caused by two species of Cryptococcus: Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii.

Is Cryptococcus fatal?

In immunocompromised patients, Cryptococcus may induce pneumonia and its dissemination to the central nervous system (CNS) causes meningitis, the most severe form of the infection, which is fatal without appropriate treatment.

What is the blood brain barrier?

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a crucial immunological feature of the human central nervous system (CNS). Composed of many cell types, the BBB is both a structural and functional roadblock to microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses or parasites, that may be circulating in the bloodstream.

How do you get cryptococcal meningitis?

Fungal meningitis is not spread from person to person. Instead, an individual acquires cryptococcal meningitis when they inhale soil particles contaminated by bird droppings. The fungus first infects the body, and then the infection spreads to the central nervous system, resulting in cryptococcal meningitis.

Where is cryptococcosis located?

Cryptococcus is the most common fungus that causes serious infection worldwide. Both types of fungi are found in soil. If you breathe the fungus in, it infects your lungs. The infection may go away on its own, remain in the lungs only, or spread throughout the body (disseminate).

What can cryptococcosis cause?

In most cases, cryptococcal meningitis is caused by the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans. This fungus is found in soil around the world. Cryptococcus gattii can also cause meningitis, but this form can cause disease in patients with a normal immune system as well.

What chemical can cross the blood brain barrier?

Small polar molecules, such as glucose, amino acids, organic anions and cations, and nucleosides, can cross the blood-brain barrier by carrier-mediated transport.

What are the symptoms of Cryptococcus?

Headache, fever, and neck pain are common symptoms of cryptococcal meningitis….In the brain (cryptococcal meningitis)

• Headache.
• Fever.
• Neck pain.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Sensitivity to light.
• Confusion or changes in behavior.