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Meningitis - cryptococcal

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Definition

Cryptococcal meningitis is an infection of the meninges (the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord), caused by the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans.


Alternative Names

Cryptococcal meningitis


Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Cryptococcus neoformans is found in soil around the world. Cryptococcal meningitis most often affects people with compromised immune systems. Risk factors include AIDS , lymphoma (a type of cancer), and diabetes . It occurs in 5 out of 1 million people.


Review Date: 09/06/2006
Reviewed By: Hilary M. Babcock, M.D., Medical Director of Occupational Infection Control, Barnes-Jewish and St. Louis Children's Hospitals; Instructor of Medicine, Infectious Disease Division, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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