Cryptococcosis: what is it, symptoms and treatment

La Cryptococosis, popularly known as the disease of the palomas, is an infectious disease caused by el fungo Cryptococcus neoformanswhich can be found mainly in the heces of las palomas and also in fruits, suelos, cereals and trees, for example.

This infection is considered opportunistic, since the fungus causes serious symptoms, mainly in people with a compromised immune system, as in the case of AIDS, for example.

In spite of the fact that the infection is produced by the inhalation of the fungus and the primary site of infection by the sea and the lung, the fungus normally produces alterations in the nervous system, leading to the development of meningitis by Cryptococcus neoformans which, in case of not being treated correctly, can lead to the death of the person. For this reason, to prevent complications, it is important to follow the treatment recommended by the infectious disease specialist, in order to prescribe the use of antifungal agents.

main symptoms

The contamination by him Cryptococcus neoformans occurs through the inhalation of esporas or yeasts present in the trees or in the heces of paloma, for example. This fungus lodges in the lungs and causes respiratory symptoms. However, depending on the person’s immune system, it is possible that the fungus enters the blood stream and goes to other places of the body, causing systemic symptoms, such as:

• Pulmonary nodules;
• Pain in the pecho;
• Stiffness in the back of the neck;
• night sweating;
• confusion;
• Meningitis.
• Nasal secretion;
• Headache;
• Low fever;
• weakness;
• Visual changes.

It is important that the diagnosis of cryptococcosis is carried out when the first symptoms appear, since in this way it is possible to start the treatment quickly to avoid a major compromise of the nervous system, coma and death.

The diagnosis of this infection must be carried out by an infectious disease specialist or an internist through the evaluation of the signs and symptoms presented by the person and the general state of health, in addition to the microbiological examination to identify the fungus. The chest X-ray can also be useful for diagnosis, as it allows the observation of pulmonary damage, nodules or a unique mass that characterizes cryptococcosis.

How is the treatment performed?

The treatment of cryptococcosis varies according to the condition of the person, and may be indicated by the doctor and the use of antifungal drugs, such as Amphotericin B or Fluconazole, for 6 to 10 weeks.

In the event that it is determined that the person has a systemic infection, it is decided, when it is possible to identify the fungus in the blood, the treatment must be carried out under hospitalization so that the symptoms can be controlled and, in this way, can be prevented. complications.

Prevention of Cryptococcosis

The prevention of cryptococcosis is mainly carried out through the control of palomas, since it is the main transmitting agent of the disease. Therefore, it is important to avoid contact with palomas, use masks and gloves if you have the need to work with birds, avoid feeding the palomas and use water and chlorine to wash the heces of the mismas. See other diseases caused by las palomas.