title: Cryptococcosis.
abstract: Cryptococcosis is an invasive mycosis caused by pathogenic encapsulated yeasts in the genus Cryptococcus. Cryptococcus gained prominence as a pathogen capable of widespread disease outbreaks in vulnerable populations. We have gained insight into the pathobiology of Cryptococcus, including the yeast' s capacity to adapt to environmental pressures, exploit new geographic environments, and cause disease in both immunocompromised and apparently immunocompetent hosts. Inexpensive, point-of-care testing makes diagnosis more feasible than ever. The associated worldwide burden and mortality remains unacceptably high. Novel screening strategies and preemptive therapy offer promise at making a sustained and much needed impact on this sugar-coated opportunistic mycosis.
authors.affiliation: Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, DUMC Box 102359, 315 Trent Drive, Durham, NC 27710, USA. Electronic address: eileen.maziarz@dm.duke.edu.
authors.forename: Eileen K
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: Maziarz
authors.affiliation: Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, DUMC Box 102359, 315 Trent Drive, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
authors.forename: John R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Perfect
mesh_terms: D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003453:Cryptococcosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology; D003454:Cryptococcus / Q000235:genetics / Q000472:pathogenicity; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D000935:Antifungal Agents
keywords: Central nervous system (CNS) infection; Cryptococcosis; HIV/AIDS; Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS); Opportunistic mycoses; Solid organ transplantation (SOT)