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The Outbreak of Cryptococcus gattii in Western North America: Epidemiology and Clinical Issues

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Abstract

Over the previous decade, we observed the emergence of the fungal pathogen, Cryptococcus gattii, as a cause of disease in humans and animals in a temperate climate. This outbreak, first documented on Vancouver Island, has since expanded throughout Western North America, with non–travel-associated cases now in British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and California. Additionally, a secondary outbreak, originating in and still restricted to Oregon, has also occurred. During the past several years, several studies detailing molecular typing, virulence, antifungal susceptibilities, epidemiology, and clinical issues have been published. These studies begin to address the complex dynamics of this novel emergence of a rare and fatal fungus, outline clinical characteristics of human cases, and also opened several new areas that should be explored in the upcoming years.

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Disclosure

Conflicts of interest: E.J. Byrnes III—none; K.A. Marr—consultancies, Astellas, Basilea, Merck, Pfizer, grants, Astellas and Merck.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Ross Research Building 1064, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA

    Edmond J. Byrnes III

  2. Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Ross Research Building 1064, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA

    Edmond J. Byrnes III

  3. Transplant and Oncology Infectious Diseases Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Ross Research Building 1064, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA

    Kieren A. Marr

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  1. Edmond J. Byrnes III
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Correspondence to Kieren A. Marr.

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Byrnes, E.J., Marr, K.A. The Outbreak of Cryptococcus gattii in Western North America: Epidemiology and Clinical Issues. Curr Infect Dis Rep 13, 256–261 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11908-011-0181-0

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