Cryptococcosis typically affects which patient population and organs?

• A. Immunocompromised individuals; lungs, CNS, skin, bone marrow
• B. Adolescents; kidneys
• C. Healthy young adults; GI tract
• D. Neonates; liver and pancreas

Answer: (A)

Cryptococcosis is an opportunistic fungal infection that predominantly affects immunocompromised individuals, such as those with advanced HIV/AIDS or on immunosuppressive therapy. Inhaled spores typically start in the lungs, but the most concerning and characteristic pattern is dissemination to the central nervous system, causing meningitis or meningoencephalitis. The lungs are commonly involved as the initial site, and the CNS involvement explains the severe neurologic symptoms clinicians worry about. Skin lesions and bone marrow involvement can occur in disseminated cases, but CNS infection in an immunocompromised patient is the hallmark. Choices suggesting infection in healthy adolescents or neonates, or isolated involvement of kidneys, GI tract, or liver and pancreas, do not reflect the usual presentation.