Cryptococcal disease (cryptococcosis) is a serious fungal infection caused by breathing in microscopic fungal spores found in the environment.
Most infections are caused by Cryptococcus neoformans or C. gattii. This page focuses on disease caused by C. gattii.
Cryptococcus gattii has been living on trees and in soil on Vancouver Island since at least 1999. This fungus has also been detected in other areas, including mainland British Columbia and along the west coast of the United States.
Most people exposed to
C. gattii do not develop cryptococcosis. However, in some cases, exposure can lead to disease. Although cryptococcosis can occur in otherwise healthy people, the risk is higher among people with advanced HIV infection/AIDS, organ transplant recipients, and others with immunocompromising conditions.
Although uncommon, animals, including dogs and cats, can become infected with
C. gattii. Infected animals may develop neurological signs (such as weakness, blindness, or seizures), skin lumps, or nasal discharge. Speak with a veterinarian if you have concerns about cryptococcal disease in animals.
Many people will be exposed to the fungus during their lives, but most will not get sick. In people who become ill, symptoms appear many months after exposure.
Symptoms of cryptococcosis include:
• Prolonged cough (lasting weeks or months)
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Headache
• Neck stiffness
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Weight loss
Cryptococcosis can cause pneumonia, meningitis, nodules in the lungs or brain, or skin infection.
Speak with your healthcare provider if you live in or visit an area where the fungus can be found and experience these symptoms.
The infection is caused by breathing in
Cryptococcus fungus. It does not spread from person to person or from animal to person. A person with cryptococcosis is not contagious.
Cryptococcus gattii infection is not easy to diagnose because the disease is rare, the combination of symptoms can be unusual and symptoms can be mild and last a long time.
Speak with your healthcare provider if you experience the symptoms listed above, and they are severe or do not go away. Let your healthcare provider know if you live in, or have travelled to, an area where this fungus can be found.
Testing is available for people who show symptoms. A doctor may order tests on blood, lung, or spinal fluid samples, or may order brain or chest imaging.
Tests are not performed on people without symptoms.
Treatment consists of 6-12 months of antifungal medication. In most cases the disease can be treated successfully. There is no vaccine to prevent cryptococcosis.
The fungus is tiny and cannot be seen with the naked eye. The trees that have the fungus growing on them do not look diseased. If you smoke, quitting can help lower your risk of infection. There are no other ways to avoid Cryptococcus gattii infection. Be aware of symptoms that are severe, unusual, or long-lasting, and see a healthcare provider if you become ill.
