44 CNS Infections
Last updated
Last updated
thick capsule evade immune system
meningitis
Egyptian crypt for cryptococcus
coffins: Yeast are round and heavily encapsulated
repeating pattern on coffin: Cryptococcus capsule has a repeating polysaccharide capsular antigen. Main virulence factor for antiphagocytes
NH3 spray bottle: Urease positive
pigeons with droppings. Archaeologists coughing: Cryptococcus is inhaled from soil and/or pigeon droppings. Settles in lungs
cane: Immunocompromised (HIV)
different from bacterial (abrupt onset)
important: raise ICP, risk of herniation
archaeologists coughing: Pulmonary Crypto causes cough and dyspnea
Neck brace: Can cause cryptococcosis, a fungal meningitis. Most common cause of fungal meningitis
sweating: fever
frogs, pinecone, with flute: flucytosine/amphoterecin B joint treatment with maintenaince fluconazole
soap bubbles on lung: Diagnose with a microscopic exam of bronchopulmonary washing
red and silver stripes: Diagnosis of pulmonary Crypto can be aided by mucicarmine or methenamine silver stain
vase with bubbling tar: India Ink test can diagnose Crypto meningitis with lumbar puncture/CSF. Background dark, transparent organism
latex gloves next to repeating patterns: Latex agglutination test detects polysaccharide capsular antigens and causes their agglutination
soap bubbles on head: Causes "soap bubble" lesions in gray matter
