CRYPTOCOCCOSIS

(Torulosis)

 Basic information

description

Cryptococcosis is a fungal disease that usually affects the lungs, but may spread to other body parts. It is more common in men between ages 40 and 60. It is much more serious when there are underlying illnesses or risk factors. This condition has become more common since the emergence of HIV and AIDS.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Some people may have no symptoms or symptoms are mild and go unnoticed.
• Fever.
• Cough, sometimes with mucus.
• Headache, sometimes severe.
• Shortness of breath.
• Weight loss.
• Tiredness.
• Personality or mental changes if the infection affects the nervous system. This can include confusion or depression or being agitated.
• If the skin is infected, sores or ulcers may occur.
• The infection may cause symptoms in bones, the prostate, and the eyes.

causes

Infection with Cryptococcus neoformans. A person gets the infection by breathing in air that contains the germs. The germs are found throughout the world, often in pigeon droppings. The infection is not passed from one person to another. Animals may also get the infection, but do not spread it to humans.

risk increases with

• AIDS.
• Organ transplant.
• Drugs that suppress the immune system.
• Cancer (Hodgkin's disease, leukemia, myeloma, lung cancer, and others).
• Chronic lung disease, diabetes, cirrhosis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and splenectomy (spleen removal).

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

Avoid areas that have pigeon droppings.

expected outcomes

In those with normal immune systems, the infection usually heals on its own or with treatment. In those with weak immune systems, treatment may control the disease, but not cure it. Lifelong drug therapy may be needed to prevent a relapse.

possible complications

• Infection or inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or the membranes that surround the brain (meningitis).
• Permanent brain damage, vision loss, and death.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your health care provider will usually do a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms and activities. Medical tests may include blood, urine, and spinal fluid studies. A chest x-ray and brain CT or MRI may be done.
• Some patients require no treatment. Those with underlying disorders are usually treated with drugs.
• Hospital care may be needed for severe symptoms.
• Weigh daily. Keep a weight chart. An unexplained weight loss might mean that the infection has spread.

medications

Antifungal drugs are often prescribed. One drug is usually given by injection at first, followed by another drug that is taken by mouth. People with HIV or AIDS will usually need to take an antifungal drug for life.

activity

Get extra rest until the symptoms improve.

diet

No special diet.

 notify our office if

• You or a family member has symptoms of cryptococcosis (especially if a severe headache develops).
• Symptoms recur after treatment.
• New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.

Special Notes: