From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Cryptococcus is a genus of fungus. It grows in culture as a yeast. The perfect (sexual) form or teleomorph is called Filobasidiella, but the imperfect (asexual) form or anamorph is called Cryptococcus. The name Cryptococcus is correct when used in a medical context because the infective form is the imperfect form.
Cryptococcus neoformans is the most prominent medically important species. It is best known for causing a severe form of meningitis in persons with AIDS. There are about 37 recognized species of Cryptococcus, but the taxonomy of the group is currently being re-evaluated with up-to-date methods. The majority of species live in the soil and are not harmful to humans. Very common species include Cryptococcus laurentii and Cryptococcus albidus. The cells of these species are covered in a thin layer of capsular material that has a gelatin-like consistency and that, among other functions, serves to help extract nutrients from the soil.
