Cryptococcus

Rapid CDIA^TM C. Cryptococcus kits are intended for the detection of cryptococcosis by detecting cryptococcal antigen (CrAg).

The vast majority of cryptococcosis infections are caused by C. neoformans and C. gattii. In general, the people infected with C. neoformans usually have some defect in cell-mediated immunity (especially HIV/AIDS patients). However, C. gattii usually infects immunocompetent individuals but can infect immuno-compromised people. The predominant way the disease is spread is through inhalation of fungus that is associated with many bird species, especially old pigeon feces and bat guano. The capsule is certainly the most prominent virulence factor in Cryptococcus strains which are virulent, and capsular polysaccharides have a deleterious effect on the immune system. Detection of cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) in serum and CSF has been extensively utilized with very high sensitivity and specificity.