Cryptococcus neoformans
From DrugPedia: A Wikipedia for Drug discovery
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Infection with C. neoformans is termed cryptococcosis. Most infections with C. neoformans consist of a lung infection. However, fungal meningitis, especially as a secondary infection for AIDS patients, is often caused by C. neoformans making it a particularly dangerous fungus. Infections with this fungus are rare in those with fully functioning immune systems. For this reason, C. neoformans is sometimes referred to as an opportunistic fungus. | Infection with C. neoformans is termed cryptococcosis. Most infections with C. neoformans consist of a lung infection. However, fungal meningitis, especially as a secondary infection for AIDS patients, is often caused by C. neoformans making it a particularly dangerous fungus. Infections with this fungus are rare in those with fully functioning immune systems. For this reason, C. neoformans is sometimes referred to as an opportunistic fungus. | ||
| + | ==References== | ||
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| + | [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cryptococcus_neoformans Wikipedia] | ||
[[category: CarboDB]] | [[category: CarboDB]] | ||
Revision as of 06:26, 13 July 2010
Cryptococcus neoformans
It is an encapsulated yeast that can live in both plants and animals. Its teleomorph is Filobasidiella neoformans, a filamentous fungus belonging to the class Tremellomycetes.
| Kingdom | Fungi |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Basidiomycota |
| Class | Tremellomycetes |
| Order | Tremellales |
| Family | Tremellaceae |
| Genus | Cryptococcus |
| Species | C. neoformans |
| Binomial | Cryptococcus neoformans |
Surface Characteristics
The cell wall contains a linear (1-->3)-linked mannan backbone singly substituted with nonreducing β(1-->2) xylose and β(1-->2) glucuronic acid side branches ; O-acetyl groups are present at C-6 of the mannosyl residues.
Pathogenic Activity
Infection with C. neoformans is termed cryptococcosis. Most infections with C. neoformans consist of a lung infection. However, fungal meningitis, especially as a secondary infection for AIDS patients, is often caused by C. neoformans making it a particularly dangerous fungus. Infections with this fungus are rare in those with fully functioning immune systems. For this reason, C. neoformans is sometimes referred to as an opportunistic fungus.
