Prevalence of Cryptococcus neoformans in clinical specimens.

Cryptococcus neoformans isolated from various clinical materials in 14 cases, was identified by (1) cultivation on Sabouraud glucose agar and CHROMagar Candida, (2) microscopic examination of Indian-ink-stained preparations and (3) determination of biochemical properties (assimilation and fermentation of saccharides, assimilation of KNO3, production of urease and phenol monooxygenase). C. neoformans was determined in five specimens from paediatric patients in the intensive care unit and in nine specimens from adult patients, most frequently from liquor at meningitis (n = 3).