Cryptococcosis

A rare infection caused by inhaling the fungus found especially in soil contaminated with pigeon droppings. The most serious form the infection can take is meningitis. Another form of infection causes growths in the lungs, resulting in chest pain and a cough, or on the skin, causing a rash of ulcers. Most cases of cryptococcosis occur in people with reduced immunity, such as those with AIDS. Cryptococcal meningitis is diagnosed from a sample of spinal fluid. A combination of amphotericin B and another antifungal drug, flucytosine, is usually prescribed. Most cases in which only the lungs are infected need no treatment.