Picture 43
This picture shows Cryptococcus neoformans in Indian ink stain.
Cryptococcus neoformans
Morphology: A yeast that is encapsulated with a polysaccharide capsule and reproduces asexually by budding
Route of transmission: Inhalation of spores and via skin lesions
Investigations: Lumbar puncture, Indian ink stain, Muscicarmine stain for the capsule
Diseases:
Meningoencephalitis
Pulmonary cryptococcosis
Skin and bone lesions in disseminated cases
Treatment:
Begin with IV amphotericin B and flucytosine, then change to fluconazole