Emerging cryptococcosis cases in Himalayan & sub-Himalayan regions of India.

Cryptococcosis is a potentially life-threatening opportunistic fungal infection presenting with a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations. This retrospective study (2018-2024) from North India analyzed 33 cryptococcosis cases, 66.7% HIV-positive. Fever, headache, and altered sensorium predominated. Overall mortality reached 51.5% at one year. Uncontrolled diabetes and limited amphotericin B use among Himalayan patients correlated with higher mortality. Equitable antifungal access remains crucial.