To: Brumar89 who wrote (754388 ) 11/24/2013 2:00:47 PM From: TideGlider Read Replies (2) | Respond to Symptoms of C. gattii cryptococcosisThe most common symptoms of C. gattii infection include shortness of breath, cough, fatigue, fever, and headache. C. gattii can also infect the central nervous system and cause inflammation of the brain and meninges, which is called meningoencephalitis. Symptoms of a central nervous system infection may also include altered mental status. C. gattii infection are estimated to begin anywhere from 2 to 14 months after exposure to the fungus. If you experience symptoms that you think may be caused by C. gattii , it is important to see a doctor right away.Cryptococcus gattii lives in the environment (1), usually in association with certain trees or soil around trees. Humans and animals can become infected with C. gattii after inhaling airborne, dehydrated yeast cells or spores (2), which travel through the respiratory tract and enter the lungs of the host (3). The small size of the yeast and/or spores allows them to become lodged deep in the lung tissue. The environment inside the host body signals C. gattii to transform into its yeast form, and the cells grow thick capsules to protect themselves (4). The yeasts then divide and multiply by budding. After infecting the lungs, C. gattii cells can travel through the bloodstream (5)—either on their own or within macrophage cells— to infect other areas of the body, typically the central nervous system (6).C. gattii infections occur in Papua New Guinea and Northern Australia. Cases have also been reported in other regions, indicating its spread to India, Brazil, Vancouver Island in Canada, Washington State, and Oregon in the United States. Cryptococcus neoformans , C. gattii is not particularly associated with human immunodeficiency virus infection or other forms of immunosuppression. The fungus can cause disease in healthy people.bing.com
