[Cryptococcosis].

Cryptococcosis is a common fungal infection that caused by Cryptococcus neoformans in immunocompetent individuals as well as in immunosuppressive patients with such as the HIV infection. Measurements of the values of glucuronoxylomannan structuring capsule of C. neoformans in serum or cerebrospinal fluid are quite useful to diagnosis of pulmonary cryptococcosis and cryptococcal meningitis as major two forms of cryptococcosis. Azole anti-fungal agents including fulconazole, itraconazole for pulmonary cryptococcosis, and amphotericin B plus flucytosine for cryptococcal meningitis are recommended as first line therapy in Japanese guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of deep seated mycosis revised in 2007. The clinical appearance, diagnostic methods, treatment and prognosis of pulmonary cryptococcosis and cryptococcal meningitis are described based on the Japanese guideline in this manuscript.