Author/Authors :
Mansour, A. US Naval Medical Research Unit, Egypt , Nakhla, I. US Naval Medical Research Unit, Egypt , El Sherif, M. US Naval Medical Research Unit, Egypt , Sultan, Y.A. Abbassia Fever Hospital, Egypt , Frenck, R.W. US Naval Medical Research Unit, Egypt
Abstract :
Cryptococcus neoformans is an encapsula- ted yeast ubiquitous in nature which, when it infects humans, typically causes pulmonary disease and occasionally meningitis. Serotyping of the organism has identified 3 main varieties: C. neoformans var. grubii (serotype A), C. neoformans var. neoformans (serotype D) and C. neoformans var. gattii (serotypes B and C). Serotypes A and D have been isolated throughout the world and have been associated with birds. While C. neoformans var. gattii has been more frequently associated with disease in tropical and subtropical areas, infections throughout the world, including the United States and Europe, have been reported. Eucalyptus trees appear to be the principle reservoir for the organism but the infection has been diagnosed in areas lacking eucalyptus, indicating that other environmental sources exist. However, prolonged incubation periods can make it difficult to identify the true sources of exposure.
