title: Cryptococcus neoformans: pitfalls in diagnosis through evaluation of gram-stained smears of purulent exudates.
abstract: The recognition of Cryptococcus neoformans in Gram-stained smears of purulent exudates may be hampered by the presence of the large gelatinous capsule which apparently prevents definitive staining of the yeast-like cells. In such stained preparations, C. neoformans may appear either as round cells with gram-positive granular inclusions impressed upon a pale lavender cytoplasmic background or as gram-negative lipoid bodies.
mesh_terms: D003453:Cryptococcosis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003454:Cryptococcus / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D003455:Cryptococcus neoformans / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005122:Exudates and Transudates / Q000382:microbiology*; D006801:Humans; D002479:Inclusion Bodies / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013194:Staining and Labeling; D013492:Suppuration / Q000382:microbiology