Cryptococcosis history and symptoms

The symptoms of cryptococcosis depend on the site of infection/clinical syndrome, the virulence of the yeast strain, and the immune status of the host. Patients may be completely asymptomatic, have latent infection, or have symptomatic disease. Cryptococcus infection can present as pneumonia-like illness with fever, cough, sputum production, and chest pain. Cryptococcus can also disseminate to the central nervous system and cause meningoencephalitis presenting with headache, nausea, vomiting, altered sensorium, and focal neurological deficits.^[1]

The symptoms of cryptococcosis depend on the site of infection/clinical syndrome, the virulence of the yeast strain, and the immune status of the host.^[2][3] Symptoms of cryptococcal infection include the following:

Pulmonary infection can present with the following symptoms:^[4]

• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Fever
• Sputum production

Cryptococcosis of the central nervous system may present with the following symptoms:^[5][6]

• Headache
• Fever
• Neck pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sensitivity to light
• Confusion

Cutaneous infection is seen in patients with HIV infection and presents as an ulcer or raised skin rash.^[7]