There are not many fungal diseases that have a major impact on human health. One of the few exceptions is Cryptococcus, an oval-shaped yeast that can cause fungal meningitis. There are two major species that cause disease in humans, C. neoformans and C. gattii. C. gattii is found primarily in tropical regions but has recently been gaining a foothold in the Pacific Northwest. C. neoformans is widespread throughout the United States, so for the rest of this lesson, I will focus on this species, referring to it simply as Cryptococcus.
Cryptococcus is classified as a yeast, meaning it is a single-celled fungus. The yeast is found in soils around the world, but is especially common in urban areas. The reason for the higher concentration in and around cites is because the yeast grows very well in bird droppings. High populations of pigeons provide a natural and continuous source of fungal growth media. The growing yeast cells can be blown into the air by wind. Cells that land on bird poo can grow and reproduce very quickly, producing even more cells. The cells themselves have a very thick, gelatinous capsule, which protects them from drying out while airborne and from being attacked by the immune system
There are not many fungal diseases that have a major impact on human health. One of the few exceptions is Cryptococcus, an oval-shaped yeast that can cause fungal meningitis. There are two major species that cause disease in humans, C. neoformans and C. gattii. C. gattii is found primarily in tropical regions but has recently been gaining a foothold in the Pacific Northwest. C. neoformans is widespread throughout the United States, so for the rest of this lesson, I will focus on this species, referring to it simply as Cryptococcus.Cryptococcus is classified as a yeast, meaning it is a single-celled fungus. The yeast is found in soils around the world, but is especially common in urban areas. The reason for the higher concentration in and around cites is because the yeast grows very well in bird droppings. High populations of pigeons provide a natural and continuous source of fungal growth media. The growing yeast cells can be blown into the air by wind. Cells that land on bird poo can grow and reproduce very quickly, producing even more cells. The cells themselves have a very thick, gelatinous capsule, which protects them from drying out while airborne and from being attacked by the immune system
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