Cryptococcal Infection
Woraphot Tantisiriwat, M.D., MPH, William G. Powderly, M.D., FRCPI

ABSTRACT
Prior to the 1980s, cryptococcal infection was rare. Most infections occur in patients with impaired cell-mediated immunity. However, since the beginning of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic, the infection has emerged as a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) who have CD4 cell count of less than 200 cells/mm3. With the use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for the treatment of HIV infection and the widespread use of the azole antifungals, the incidence of cryptococcal infection has declined in the Western world. However, it remains extremely important in developing countries. This article reviews current aspect in microbiology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations and treatment of crytococcal infection.