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Current Fungal Infection Reports

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01-09-2019 | Cryptococcosis | Fungal Genomics and Pathogenesis (S Shoham, Section Editor)

Clinical Aspects of Immune Damage in Cryptococcosis

Authors: Seher Anjum, Peter R. Williamson

Published in: Current Fungal Infection Reports | Issue 3/2019

Abstract

Purpose of Review

To perform an extensive review of recent literature and provide an update on the current epidemiology, clinical features, and management of cryptococcal disease with a focus on the differences between patients depending on their immune status.

Recent Findings

Emerging literature has highlighted the inflammatory pathophysiology and varied manifestations of cryptococcal infections in patients who are apparently healthy but paradoxically have a more critical clinical course compared with their immunosuppressed counterparts.

Summary

Non-HIV cryptococcal meningitis has greater mortality compared with that seen in HIV patients. Basic science experiments closely analyzing the underlying pathophysiological response to this infection have demonstrated the predominant role of T cell–mediated inflammatory injury in causing worse clinical outcomes. Further studies are needed to define the need for immunosuppressive agents in the treatment of this illness.

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Title: Clinical Aspects of Immune Damage in Cryptococcosis
Authors: Seher Anjum
Peter R. Williamson
Publication date: 01-09-2019
Publisher: Springer US
Keywords: Cryptococcosis
Meningitis
Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Published in: Current Fungal Infection Reports / Issue 3/2019
Print ISSN: 1936-3761
Electronic ISSN: 1936-377X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12281-019-00345-7

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