Pulmonary Cryptococcocal Infection

Cryptococcus is an important opportunistic, pathogenic fungus that can infect both immunocompromised and immunocompetent individuals. The infection always involves the central nervous system (CNS), presenting as meningitis or meningoencephalitis. Cryptococcal infections of the lung also occur; however, these infections have been largely ignored because of the atypical clinical symptoms associated with them. Therefore, it is necessary to study Cryptococcus infections of the lung to gain a better understanding of the epidemiology, treatment and diagnosis of pulmonary cryptococcosis.