Key points
- Cryptococcosis usually infects the lungs or brain.
- Cryptococcus infection in the lungs can cause a pneumonia-like illness.
- Cryptococcus can cause cryptococcal meningitis after it spreads from the lungs to the brain.
- Pets can get cryptococcal infections, but it is very rare.
Symptoms
Cryptococcosis can affect different parts of the body. Most infections are in the lungs or brain and spinal cord (cryptococcal meningitis). The symptoms of infection depend on the parts of the body that are affected.
In the lungs
A cryptococcal infection in the lungs can cause a pneumonia-like illness. Symptoms include:
- Cough (most common)
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Fever
In the brain (cryptococcal meningitis)
Infections with Cryptococcus can start out as cryptococcal meningitis or infections in the lungs can spread to the brain. Symptoms of cryptococcal meningitis include:
- Headache
- Fever
- Confusion or changes in behavior
- Neck pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sensitivity to light
Cryptococcal infection can also cause fungal growths, or cryptococcomas, in the lungs, skin, brain or other organs.
People who may have cryptococcosis should see a healthcare provider right away.
When symptoms start
Symptoms of cryptococcal infection may start within weeks to months after breathing in spores. However, some people can develop an infection years later, especially if they become immunosuppressed with medications or from a disease.
Asymptomatic infections
People can have asymptomatic Cryptococcus infections (infections without symptoms). Most of the time these infections go away on their own without ever causing sickness.
However, asymptomatic infections can lead to severe illness in people with HIV/AIDS or other conditions that weaken the immune system. Early detection and treatment through targeted screening can save lives.