The need for environmental surveillance to understand the ecology, epidemiology and impact of Cryptococcus infection in Africa.

ABSTRACT: Our understanding of the pathogenic yeasts Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii has been greatly enhanced by use of genome sequencing technologies. Found ubiquitously as saprotrophs in the environment, inhalation of infectious spores from these pathogens can lead to the disease cryptococcosis. Individuals with compromised immune systems are at particular risk, most notably those living with HIV/AIDS. Genome sequencing in combination with laboratory and clinical studies has revealed diverse lineages with important differences in their observed frequency, virulence and clinical outcomes. However, to date, genomic analyses have focused primarily on clinical isolates that represent only a subset of the diversity in the environment. Enhanced genomic surveillance of these yeasts in th

SUBMITTER: Edwards HM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8536938 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature