• • LAB
    • Fungal Cultures: Culturing Cryptococcus neoformans from sputum, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), or tissue biopsy specimens is the definitive method of diagnosis. Cultures may take several days to grow.
  • Microscopic Examination:
    • , India ink or mucicarmine stain), can reveal encapsulated yeast-like organisms consistent with Cryptococcus.
  • Serology:
• Serum cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) testing is a
  • sensitive and specific
  • CrAg is detected using enzyme immunoassays (EIA) or
  • latex agglutination tests.
  • Elevated titers of CrAg in serum indicate active infection.

1. • Complete Blood Count (CBC): CBC may show nonspecific findings such as leukocytosis, leukopenia, or thrombocytopenia in severe cases of disseminated cryptococcosis.
2. CT Findings:

• Nodules and Masses:
  • pulmonary nodules and masses are common
  • vary in size and distribution, often appearing as
    • well-defined, round or oval opacities
    • with or without cavitation.
• Consolidation
  • in severe cases of pulmonary cryptococcosis.
• Pleural Effusion:
  • particularly in association with disseminated disease.
• Lymphadenopathy: Enlarged mediastinal or hilar lymph nodes
• Cavitation:
  • less common but possible finding,
• Ground-Glass Opacities (GGOs): GGOs,
• Fibrosis
  • chronic cases

Pulmonary Cryptococcus Infection