How is an infection with cryptococcosis acquired?

Infection occurs primarily from inhalation of the organism leading to a primary lung infection. Immunocompetent patients generally present with a mild pulmonary infection. Disseminated disease via the hematogenous route occurs in 10% to 15% of immunosuppressed patients, with a predilection for the meninges. It is the leading cause of fungal meningitis. Other organs involved include the skin (10% to 20%), eye, bone, and prostate. There are a few rare reports of primary inoculation cutaneous disease, which manifests itself as a solitary papule/nodule. However, cutaneous disease is generally indicative of disseminated disease and a poor prognosis.

Neuville S, Dromer F, Morin O, et al, for