neoformans usually infects the lungs or the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord), but it can also affect other parts of the body.

What does cryptococcosis do to the body?

Cryptococcosis is a disease caused by fungi from the genus Cryptococcus that infect humans and animals, usually by inhalation of the fungus, which results in lung infection that may spread to the brain, causing meningoencephalitis.

How does cryptococcosis affect the lungs?

Pulmonary cryptococcosis is a rare lung infection caused by Cryptococcus neoformans. This microorganism usually causes severe pneumonia in an immunocompromised patient, especially in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, and can lead to death.