What is "cryptococcosis"

n. (context medicine English) A serious and potentially fatal fungal disease caused by members of the (taxlink Cryptococcus neoformans species noshow=1) species complex, believed to be acquired by inhalation of the infectious propagule from the environment.

n. a fungal infection characterized by nodular lesions--first in the lungs and spreading to the nervous system

Cryptococcosis, also known as cryptococcal disease, is a potentially fatal fungal disease. It is caused by one of two species; Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii. These were all previously thought to be subspecies of C. neoformans but have now been identified as distinct species.

Cryptococcosis is believed to be acquired by inhalation of the infectious propagule from the environment. Although the exact nature of the infectious propagule is unknown, the leading hypothesis is the basidiospore created through sexual or asexual reproduction.