Cryptococcosis infection among HIV patients

Cryptococcosis is known as a central nervous system infection which is caused by Cryptococcus neoformans (C. neoformans). The contamination is made by inhaling the fungi, then it produces the first lesion in the lung tissue. This phase is non symptomatic. In debilitated people, the infection disseminates and affects the meninges. The AIDS patients are the most affected group, and the dissemination of fungus occurs in almost one third of this group of people[1]. The unique spice proving to be pathogenic is represented by C. neoformans. It looks like an encapsulated yeast, having a round or oval form reproduced just by budding[2]. D e p e n d i n g o n t h e c a p s u l a r p o l y s a c c h a r i d e a n d glucuronoxylomannan, we can classify the yeast into four stereotypes. Capsular types A to D represent the variants of C. neoformans, namely, Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii (A); Cryptococcus neoformans var. gattii (B and C); Cryptococcus neoformans var. neoformans (D) and C. neoformans AD hybrids[3]. Currently, Cryptococcus gattii has become classified as a different species, as the indicated analysis has revealed it to be genetically distinct from C[4]. Cryptococcus neoformans var. neoformans is observed throughout the world and seems to be linked to pigeons or other bird droppings, or just ground infected with these droppings. It generally attacks the immuno-compromised host[5]. Cryptococcus neoformans var. gattii is endemic in certain regions, especially tropical and subtropical areas such as Southern California and Australia. This variety is related to Eucalyptus camaldulensis[6]. It basically affects people without immunosupression and is uncommon in patients with HIV infections[5]. Since Cryptococcus reaches the lungs by means of inhalation, the immune system could eliminate it without any medical intervention. The infection may remain located in the lungs. Otherwise, it may be transmitted by blood and extended in all parts of the body. Concerning healthy people having normal functioning immune ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT