Article from IEQ Review

Pure Air Control Services and the Environmental Diagnostics Laboratory are pleased to introduce "Under the Scope", a new section of the IEQ REVIEW. There are over 100,000 species of fungi. Many fungi are good and useful (edible mushrooms would be an example of these) while some cause problems (some fungi can injure plants and humans). Every week the IEQ Review will describe a specific microorganism, its morphological origin and potential health effects. If you would like to know about a specific organism and/or would like it published in The IEQ Review please email Dr. Rajiv Sahay with the Environmental Diagnostics Laboratory (EDL) at Pure Air Control Services laboratory@pureaircontrols.com

This week we will cover ...

Cryptococcus is an encapsulated yeast. Following its first identification in nature from peach juice samples, the major environmental sources of Cryptococcus neoformans have been shown to be either soil contaminated with pigeon droppings (Cryptococcus neoformans var. neoformans) or eucalyptus trees and decaying wood forming hollows in living trees (Cryptococcus neoformans var. gattii). Cryptococcus neoformans var. gattii was also isolated from goats with pulmonary disease. On cornmeal tween 80 agar, Cryptococcus neoformans produces round, budding yeast cells. No true hyphae are visible. Pseudohyphae are usually absent or rudimentary.

Clinical Significance:

Cryptococcus neoformans is the causative agent of cryptococcosis. Given the neurotropic nature of the fungus, the most common clinical form of cryptococcosis is meningoencephalitis. The course of the infection is usually subacute or chronic. Cryptococcosis may also involve the skin, lungs, prostate gland, urinary tract, eyes, myocardium, bones, and joints.

Cryptococcus neoformans

Information provided by Doctor Fungus. Photo provided by Mundosano Organization

For more information contact:
Dr. Rajiv Sahay
(800) 422-7873 ext. 204
laboratory@pureaircontrols.com