Disease Information
Cryptococcus gattii is an environmental fungus closely related to
C. neoformans that can infect the pulmonary and central nervous systems of both animals and humans. The infection is caused by breathing in the spores of
Cryptococcus fungus. The
C. gattii fungus has been isolated from trees, soil, air, and water.
Disease Reporting
What is required?
All cryptococcal infections are reportable within
one working day. Please contact the on-call state epidemiologist regarding any suspect cases at 971-673-1111.
C. gattii is an emerging infection in Oregon and the greater Pacific Northwest region and is being closely monitored by the Oregon Public Health Division's Emerging Infection Program.
For Tribal and Local Public Health Authorities
Specimen Testing (free of charge)
Currently we are asking that all isolates identified as
C. neoformans be sent to the
Oregon State Public Health Laboratory for further speciation.
- When sending isolates, please fill out a General Microbiology Request Form and check the box for EIP Organism under the "Emerging Infections Program Studies" section. On the blank line next to EIP Organism, please write in
Cryptococcus.
-
Animal specimens: All animal specimens and isolates can be identified as
C. neoformans at Oregon State University. When sending isolates, please fill out the
OSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory General Submission Form (pdf) and check "Cryptococcal Antigen Detection Panel" under "Mycology" on page 2.
- All isolates will be forwarded to CDC mycology laboratory for genotyping.
Data
Once you click on the Tableau link, you will be able to select your disease of interest.
See Also