Treatment of Cryptococcosis

Key points

  • People who have cryptococcosis need antifungal medication for at least 6 months.
  • Treatment for mild-to-moderate lung infections is usually fluconazole.
  • People with asymptomatic infections who have HIV/AIDS should be treated with fluconazole.
  • The recommended initial treatment for severe lung or brain infections (meningitis) is liposomal amphotericin B with flucytosine.
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Treatment

People who have cryptococcosis need to take prescription antifungal medication for at least 6 months, often longer.

Recommended antifungal treatments depend on HIV status and type and severity of infection.

An HIV ribbon and medication bottle.
Antifungal treatments depend on HIV status and severity of infection.

The antifungal fluconazole is recommended for treating mild to moderate lung infections and asymptomatic infections in people with HIV/AIDS.

Liposomal amphotericin B and flucytosine are recommended for initial treatment of severe lung infections and cryptococcal meningitis, followed by taking fluconazole.

Additional treatment may be necessary including:

  • Lumbar puncture (a needle inserted near the spine removes fluid buildup).
  • Surgery to remove fungal growths, known as cryptococcomas.

Treatments may be adapted for other populations like children and people who are pregnant.

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Content Source:
National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID)