How Do You Treat Cryptococcosis?
Cryptococcosis is an infection caused by the yeast Cryptococcus neoformans. It is an opportunistic infection that rarely affects healthy people and 85 percent of the cases occur in HIV-infected patients. Cryptococcosis has a pulmonary and disseminated form that can be serious; the chronic infection can produce lesions. Cryptococcosis is contracted by inhaling soil contaminated with the encapsulated spores. Expect localized pulmonary lesions to heal without treatment in patients with healthy immune systems. Use fluconazole or itraconazole for 6 to 12 months to treat mild to moderate cases of confirmed cryptococcosis not involving the central nervous system (CNS). Amphotericin B also can be given for a total dose of 1 or 2 grams if fluconazole and itraconazole are contraindicated. Prescribe amphotericin B with 5-fluorocytosine for 6 to 10 weeks in cases involving cryptococcosis of the CNS. This combination also may be used for only 2 weeks, followed by 400 mg/day of fluconazole for at le
