Seemen Hussain, Akbar Chaudary.
Cryptococcal Meningitis - Role of Environment.
Ann King Edward Med Uni Jan ;9(2):174-5.

Cryptococcus neoformans is a saprophytic encapsulated yeast with a worldwide distribution in soil contaminated usually with avian excreta, mostly from pigeons. Infection is acquired by inhalation of the organism and could be asymptomatic and limited to the lungs, especially in the immunocompetent host. Hematogenous dissemination, especially to the meninges, and fatal outcome occur in patients with impaired cell-mediated immunity secondary to a variety of conditions, particularly malignancy, diabetes mellitus, treatment with corticosteroids, and infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Despite the marked increase in the number of immunocompromised patients and the parallel increase in the incidence of cryptococcosis around the world, reports concerning this infection from our region are scarce.

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