Table of contents:
- Definition of cryptococcosis
- How common is cryptococcosis?
- Cryptococcosis signs and symptoms
- When should I see a doctor?
- Causes of cryptococcosis
- Cryptococcal complications
- Cryptococcal diagnosis and treatment
- What are my treatment options for cryptococcosis?
- Cryptococcosis prevention
Definition of cryptococcosis
Cryptococcosis or cryptococcosisis an infection caused by a fungusCryptococcus neoformans. The infection can spread to humans through contact with unwashed raw animal feces or fruit.
In addition, this infection can also be transmitted through direct contact with an infected person. People who have weak immune systems, such as those with HIV, are at high risk for contracting this infection.
Cryptococcosis is an infection that can take many forms, depending on how the infection was acquired. In most cases, the infection starts in the lungs and then spreads to the brain, urinary tract, skin, or bones.
How common is cryptococcosis?
Cryptococcosis is an infection that is very rare in healthy people.
Most cases of this infection occur in people who have weak immune systems, especially those who have advanced HIV / AIDS.
According to the website of the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, there are an estimated 220,000 cases of cryptococcosis in patients with HIV / AIDS worldwide each year, with a mortality rate of about 181,000.
You can reduce your chances of developing this condition if you avoid risk factors. Please discuss with your doctor for more information.
Cryptococcosis signs and symptoms
Healthy people usually will not experience any symptoms when infected with this disease. The infection can spread to the brain in people who have weak immune systems.
Neurological (neurological) symptoms will start to develop slowly. Most people with this infection experience swelling and irritation of the brain and spinal cord when diagnosed.
Other symptoms of cryptococcal infection are:
- Blurred vision or double vision
- Pain when inhaling
- Stiff neck
- Confusion
- Dry cough
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Headache
- Nauseous vomit
- Skin rash, including red spots (petechiae), boils, or other skin itching
- Swollen lymph nodes
In addition, there are also some characteristics and symptoms that are not mentioned above. If you have the same complaint, please consult a doctor.
When should I see a doctor?
If you have any of the signs or symptoms listed above or have any questions, please consult your doctor.
The severity and symptoms vary from person to person, so always discuss with your doctor the best diagnosis, treatment, and treatment method for you.
Causes of cryptococcosis
This infection most often occurs in people with weakened immune systems, such as:
- Infected with HIV
- Taking high doses of corticosteroid medication
- Undergo chemotherapy treatment for cancer
- Have Hodgkin's disease
The absence of risk does not mean that you are free from possible exposure to distractions. The features and symptoms listed are for reference only. You need to consult a doctor for more information.
Cryptococcal complications
In some cases, cryptococcosis has the potential to cause health complications, especially if people with poor immune systems are infected.
One common complication is meningitis, or inflammation of the membranes lining the brain and spinal cord.
If treated too late, cryptococcal meningitis is at risk of causing more serious symptoms, such as:
- Buildup of fluid in the brain
- Coma
- Hearing loss
- Seizures
In addition, long-term treatment of cryptococcosis with the drug amphotericin B also has the potential to bring serious complications, which include:
- Kidney damage
- Muscle and joint pain
- Fever
- Nausea and vomiting
Cryptococcal diagnosis and treatment
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
In the process of diagnosis, the doctor will perform a physical examination, ask about the symptoms you are experiencing, as well as your travel history. The following are signs that will be used as a reference for doctors to diagnose the disease:
- Abnormal breath sounds
- Rapid heart rate
- Fever
- Mental state changes
- Stiff neck
When your doctor begins to suspect cryptococcosis, you will be asked to undergo additional medical examinations which usually include:
- Blood check
- CT scan of the head
- Examination and culture of sputum
- Lung biopsy
- Bronchoscopy
- Lumbar puncture to obtain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) condition and other tests to check for signs of infection
- Chest X-ray
- Cryptococcal antigen test (looks for specific molecules that cause the Cryptococcus neoformans fungus to enter the blood)
What are my treatment options for cryptococcosis?
Some infections don't need treatment. Even so, you need to have regular check-ups for a full year to make sure the infection hasn't spread.
If there is injury to the lungs or spread of disease, usually an antifungal medication will be prescribed. This medicine may need to be taken for a long time.
Some of the drugs used to treat cryptococcal infection are:
- Amphotericin B
- Flucytosine
- Fluconazole
Cryptococcosis prevention
Some of the healthy lifestyle changes that may help you prevent cryptococcal infection are:
- Avoid contact with areas contaminated with mold, especially if you have a weak immune system
- Maintain the immune system as well as possible, for example by consuming nutritious foods and drinks.
- If you have had cryptococcosis before, always follow the schedule for consulting with your doctor so that the disease does not recur at another time.
If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.
