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.
![A silhouette of people in front of a red ribbon.](/cryptococcosis/media/images/2024/04/23_345141-A_Lutfy_Fungal_Disease_SM_graphics__Crypto_1200x675.png)
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.](/cryptococcosis/media/images/2024/04/347136-A_MDB_CleanSlate_WhoGetsFungalInfections.png)
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.