{"hq_id":"hq-c-mix-000086","name":"Cryptococcus neoformans","context":"human_adult","risk_level":"extreme","schema":"legacy","note":"Synthesis unavailable: compound lacks vectorizable regulatory classifications. Raw safety data returned.","data":{"risk_level":"extreme","summary":"Cryptococcus neoformans is an encapsulated basidiomycete yeast and the causative agent of cryptococcosis, including cryptococcal meningitis — the third leading cause of death in HIV/AIDS globally (approximately 181,000 deaths/year, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa). The polysaccharide capsule (glucuronoxylomannan) is its primary virulence factor, inhibiting phagocytosis and modulating host immunity. Environmental niche: pigeon/bird droppings, decaying wood, and soil; desiccated yeast cells and basidiospores (1-2 um) are inhaled. Immunocompetent individuals typically clear the infection or develop latent granulomas. In HIV/AIDS (CD4 <100), C. neoformans disseminates hematogenously to the CNS with characteristic features: elevated CSF opening pressure (>25 cm H2O), India ink-positive yeast, positive serum/CSF cryptococcal antigen (CrAg, sensitivity >99%). WHO 2018 guidelines: induction with amphotericin B + flucytosine (2 weeks), consolidation/maintenance with fluconazole. Despite optimal treatment, 10-week mortality is 25-30% in resource-limited settings (higher without amphotericin B access). CrAg screening and pre-emptive fluconazole for HIV patients with CD4 <100 reduces mortality. WHO 2022 Fungal Priority Pathogens: Critical priority.","source_refs":["aletheia_fungi_batch_2026"]},"meta":{"synthesis_version":"n/a","timestamp":"2026-07-27T03:50:39.763Z"},"_notice":"ALETHEIA output is reference data, not professional advice. Not a substitute for primary agency sources or qualified professionals. See https://aletheia.holisticquality.io/disclaimer.","_disclaimer_url":"https://aletheia.holisticquality.io/disclaimer","available_contexts":["human_adult"]}