Cryptococcosis
Infection by the encapsulated yeast Cryptococcus neoformans causes cryptococcosis . This fungus is ubiquitous in the soil and can be isolated from bird feces. Immunocompromised people are infected by inhaling basidiospores found in aerosols. The thick polysaccharide capsule surrounding these microbes enables them to avoid clearance by the alveolar macrophage. Initial symptoms of infection include fever, fatigue, and a dry cough. In immunocompromised patients, pulmonary infections often disseminate to the brain. The resulting meningitis produces headaches, sensitivity to light, and confusion. Left untreated, such infections are often fatal.
Cryptococcus infections are often diagnosed based on microscopic examination of lung tissues or cerebrospinal fluids. India ink preparations ( [link] ) can be used to visualize the extensive capsules that surround the yeast cells. Serological tests are also available to confirm the diagnosis. Amphotericin B, in combination with flucytosine , is typically used for the initial treatment of pulmonary infections. Amphotericin B is a broad-spectrum antifungal drug that targets fungal cell membranes. It can also adversely impact host cells and produce side effects. For this reason, clinicians must carefully balance the risks and benefits of treatments in these patients. Because it is difficult to eradicate cryptococcal infections, patients usually need to take fluconazole for up to 6 months after treatment with amphotericin B and flucytosine to clear the fungus. Cryptococcal infections are more common in immunocompromised people, such as those with AIDS. These patients typically require life-long suppressive therapy to control this fungal infection.
- What populations are most at risk for developing Pneumocystis pneumonia or cryptococcosis?
- Why are these infections fatal if left untreated?
Fungal diseases of the respiratory tract
Most respiratory mycoses are caused by fungi that inhabit the environment. Such infections are generally transmitted via inhalation of fungal spores and cannot be transmitted between humans. In addition, healthy people are generally not susceptible to infection even when exposed; the fungi are only virulent enough to establish infection in patients with HIV, AIDS, or another condition that compromises the immune defenses. [link] summarizes the features of important respiratory mycoses.
Key concepts and summary
- Fungal pathogens rarely cause respiratory disease in healthy individuals, but inhalation of fungal spores can cause severe pneumonia and systemic infections in immunocompromised patients.
- Antifungal drugs like amphotericin B can control most fungal respiratory infections.
- Histoplasmosis is caused by a mold that grows in soil rich in bird or bat droppings. Few exposed individuals become sick, but vulnerable individuals are susceptible. The yeast-like infectious cells grow inside phagocytes.
- Coccidioidomycosis is also acquired from soil and, in some individuals, will cause lesions on the face. Extreme cases may infect other organs, causing death.
- Blastomycosis , a rare disease caused by a soil fungus, typically produces a mild lung infection but can become disseminated in the immunocompromised. Systemic cases are fatal if untreated.
- Mucormycosis is a rare disease, caused by fungi of the order Mucorales. It primarily affects immunocompromised people. Infection involves growth of the hyphae into infected tissues and can lead to death in some cases.
- Aspergillosis , caused by the common soil fungus Aspergillus , infects immunocompromised people. Hyphal balls may impede lung function and hyphal growth into tissues can cause damage. Disseminated forms can lead to death.
- Pneumocystis pneumonia is caused by the fungus P. jirovecii . The disease is found in patients with AIDS and other immunocompromised individuals. Sulfa drug treatments have side effects, but untreated cases may be fatal.
- Cryptococcosis is caused by Cryptococcus neoformans . Lung infections may move to the brain, causing meningitis, which can be fatal.
Fill in the blank
In coccidioidomycosis, _______ containing many endospores form in the lungs.
spherules
In cryptococcosis, the main fungal virulence factor is the _______, which helps the pathogen avoid phagocytosis.
capsule
In some mycoses, fungal balls called _______ form in the lungs
aspergillomas
Most US cases of coccidioidomycosis occur in _______.
the desert southwest
Coccidioidomycosis may develop when Coccidioides immitis _______ are inhaled.
arthrospores
Short answer
Which pulmonary fungal infection is most likely to be confused with tuberculosis? How can we discriminate between these two types of infection?
Compare and contrast aspergillosis and mucormycosis.