Cryptococcus Neoformans Var Gattii: Changing Epidemiology in an Emerging North American Pathogen

Course Authors:
Avis R. Picton, MD, CCFP
Resident, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of British Columbia

Linda Hoang, MSc, MD, FRCFP
Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of British Columbia
Medical Microbiologist Head, Bacteriology and Mycology Program, BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Upon completion of this activity, you will be able to:

• list the Cryptococcus neoformans varieties generally implicated in human disease, their environmental sources, and the geographical areas where they are endemic.
• distinguish between C neoformans var neoformans and C neoformans var gattii in
  • clinical presentations
  • preferred hosts
  • expected findings in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with central nervous system disease.
• describe current methods for laboratory identification of cryptococci.

The ASCP designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

ASCP designates this activity for a maximum of 1 CMLE credit. This activity meets CMP and state licensure requirements for laboratory personnel.