Cryptococcus neoformans is a globally distributed encapsulated pathogenic fungus that exists in the environment, such as soil and decomposing wood. C. neoformans can infect humans, causing a condition known as cryptococcosis. Initially, cryptococcosis affects the lungs, but it can spread to the central nervous system (cryptococcal meningitis) and bloodstream (cryptococcosis).
It is estimated that Cryptococcus neoformans infections worldwide cause around 220,000 cases of cryptococcal meningitis each year, with approximately 181,000 related deaths. Cryptococcosis caused by C. neoformans is a very serious disease, with mortality rates ranging from 41% to 61%, particularly among patients with HIV infection. Complications of C. neoformans infection and its treatment include acute kidney failure and increased intracranial pressure requiring shunting.
Hifas Biologics’ samples with actitivity against this pathogen