Cryptococcosis:
Chapter: 12
A fungal infection caused by Cryptococcus neoformans, an opportunistic yeast that is present in the soil and in pigeon droppings. Clinically, pulmonary cryptococcosis varies from an asymptomatic infection to a severe life-threatening illness. The histologic features vary depending on the patient's immune status; a granulomatous reaction is usually seen in cases with an intact immune system. This yeast is unique in that the capsule stains bright red with mucin stains, a feature that makes morphologic identification of the organism quite reliable.
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