What is the difference between Cryptococcus neoformans and Gattii?

gattii utilizes glycine as both carbon and nitrogen sources and a majority of C. gattii isolates are resistant to L-canavanine while the majority of C. neoformans strains can utilize glycine only as a nitrogen source but not as a carbon source and are susceptible to L-canavanine [12–14].

What is the shape of Cryptococcus neoformans?

Cryptococcus neoformans is a spherical, encapsulated, non-myceliated, non-fermenting fungal cell [1]. Among pathogenic fungi, C. neoformans is unique in that it possesses a mucinous capsule.

Where does Cryptococcus neoformans var gattii come from?

Cryptococcus gattii, formerly known as Cryptococcus neoformans var gattii, is an encapsulated yeast found primarily in tropical and subtropical climates. Its teleomorph is Filobasidiella bacillispora, a filamentous fungus belonging to the class Tremellomycetes .

Where does Cryptococcus neoformans live in the world?

The taxonomy of this species has been reviewed: it has been proposed that it be divided into two species – Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus deneoformans. C. gattii (formerly C. neoformans var gattii) is endemic to tropical parts of the continent of Africa and Australia.

What are the serotypes of Cryptococcus neoformans var grubii?

Serotypes A, D and a hybrid of AD are found among Cryptococcus neoformans var grubii and Cryptococcus neoformans var neoformans. Serotypes B and C are mainly found in Cryptococcus gattii.

Can a Cryptococcus neoforman fungus cause disease?

Unlike Cryptococcus neoformans, C. gattii is not particularly associated with human immunodeficiency virus infection or other forms of immunosuppression. The fungus can cause disease in healthy people, potentially due to its ability to grow extremely rapidly within white blood cells.