Cryptococcus Infections Are Occasionally Fatal

Cryptococcus is a mold (fungus) which lives on decaying vegetation, soil and animal droppings.  It is especially common in bird droppings and dust from agricultural operations.  Occasionally it can infect humans and animals.  Cryptococcus is an unusual mold in that it has both a one- celled yeast form called Cyptococcus and a multi-celled stringy form called Filobasidiella.

Cryptococcus mostly commonly infects people through the lungs.  Cryptococcus infects mostly people with compromised immune systems such as HIV patients, leukemia/ lymphoma patients, malnourished patients and patients on immunosuppressive drugs following bone marrow or organ transplants.   However, one species Cryptococcus gatti- occasionally infects people without compromised immune systems.

A recent Centers for Disease Control reported recorded 15 fatal cases of Cryptococcus gatti in Northwestern US (including Washington, Oregon, Idaho and northern California) in the past 6 years.

To reduce the risk of getting an infection from Cryptococcus and other harmful bacteria and molds, it is recommended to wear a dusk mask or respiratory particulate filter mask when worked in dusty environments or in environments where animal droppings or manure are handled.