Cryptococcus neoformans
Summary of Cryptococcus neoformans
Cryptococcus neoformans is a heavily encapsulated yeast and an obligate aerobe. It is non-dimorphic and has narrow-based budding. It is often found in bird excrement and soil, and thus immunocompromised patients are at risk for opportunistic infection via inhalation and subsequent hematogenous spread. Its dissemination may lead to central nervous system involvement in the forms of cryptococcal meningitis and cryptococcal encephalitis.