Cryptococcus gattii

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Cryptococcus gettii
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Fungi
Phylum: Basidiomycota
Class: Urediniomycetes
Order: Sporidiales
Family: Sporidiobolaceae
Genus: Cryptococcus
Species: C. gattii
Binomial name
Cryptococcus gattii

Cryptococcus gattii, also known as Cryptococcus neoformans var gattii, is a yeast (fungus) found in tropical and subtropical climates. If a human or animal breathes in spores or cells, it causes a lung infection called cryptococcosis which can be fatal if it spreads to the central nervous system and causes meningitis. In recent years it has made an appearance in British Columbia, Canada, and scientists are concerned this is linked to global warming.[1] From 1999 through to early 2008, 216 people in British Columbia contracted the disease, resulting in eight fatalities.[2] The fungus also infects animals, such as dogs and dolphins.[3] In 2007, the fungus appeared for the first time in the United States, in Whatcom County, Washington.[4]

Contents

[edit] Effects

Cryptococcal disease is a very rare fungal disease caused by the Cryptococcus fungus that can affect the lungs (pneumonia) and nervous system (meningitis) in humans. It often affects otherwise healthy people with no obvious signs of immunocompromise.

[edit] Transmission

The infection is caused by breathing in the spores of the Cryptococcus fungus. It is not transmitted from person to person or from animal to person. A person with cryptococcal disease is not contagious.

[edit] Symptoms

Most people will be exposed to the fungus sometime during their life but most will not get sick. In people who become ill, symptoms appear many months after exposure. Symptoms of cryptococcal disease include:

  • Prolonged cough (lasting weeks or months)
  • Sharp chest pain
  • Unexplained shortness of breath
  • Severe headache
  • Fever
  • Night sweats
  • Weight loss

[edit] Treatment

In almost all cases the disease can be treated successfully with antifungal medication. There is no vaccine to prevent cryptococcal disease.

[edit] References

  1. ^ "Cryptococcus gattii Q&A", Globe and Mail, 2007-02-10. 
  2. ^ "Deadly fungus migrates to Vancouver", Vancouver Sun, 2008-02-18. 
  3. ^ Struck, Doug. "Alien Invasion:The Fungus that came to Canada", Washington Post, 2004-04-08. 
  4. ^ Rare, deadly tropical fungus moves into Whatcom County | KOMO-TV - Seattle, Washington | Local & Regional