Pathogenicity of Cryptococcus neoformans: virulence factors and immunological mechanisms

Microbes Infect. 1999 Apr;1(4):293-301. doi: 10.1016/s1286-4579(99)80025-2.

Abstract

Cryptococcus neoformans is the causative agent of cryptococcosis and cryptococcal meningitis, which are serious pathological conditions affecting up to 10% of patients with AIDS. Mechanisms of pathogenicity of C. neoformans and the host defenses against this fungus are reviewed, incorporating recent data and perspectives.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / immunology
  • AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / microbiology
  • Animals
  • Brain / microbiology
  • Cryptococcosis / immunology*
  • Cryptococcosis / microbiology*
  • Cryptococcus neoformans / immunology
  • Cryptococcus neoformans / pathogenicity*
  • Cryptococcus neoformans / physiology
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host
  • Meningitis, Cryptococcal / microbiology
  • Pulmonary Alveoli / microbiology
  • Signal Transduction
  • Virulence