Cryptococcus neoformans

• Cryptococcus neoformans
• Causes a granulomatous rhinitis, gelatinous exudate, granulomatous pneumonia
• Nodules or destructive masses which often result in facial swelling
• In severe cases, extension from nasal cavity to involve skin and oral mucosa can occur
• Can invade through adjacent structures, eg: through the cribiform plate into the brain! These cases therefore can present as a primary neurological disease.
• Microscopic:
  • Large number of fungi and only few macrophages, lymphocytes and giant cells