Fungi - Cryptococcus neoformans - Non-Elaborate Posts - Post 1

Biological classification

Kingdom: Fungi
Phylum: Basidiomycota
Class: Tremellomycetes
Order: Tremellales
Family: Filobasidiaceae
Genus: Cryptococcus
Species: Cryptococcus neoformans

general biology
Encapsulated yeast commonly found in soils and bird droppings. Inhalation of spores or cells can lead to pulmonary infection and meningitis. Capsule is a major virulence factor that modulates host immunity. Grows as yeast and can survive intracellularly in phagocytes. Establishes latent infections that may reactivate in immunosuppression. Environmental and clinical isolates show diverse stress-tolerance traits. Pathogenesis influenced by capsule, melanin, and thermotolerance


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