- Opportunistic infection in patients with CD4 <100/mm³.- 5-10 µm round/oval cells with narrow-based budding. Heavily encapsulated yeast with a polysaccharide capsule. Not dimorphic (grows as a yeast in cold and hot temperatures).

- Found in soil, pigeon dumpings.- Acquired through inhalation with hematogenous dissemination to meninges.- Culture on Sabouraud agar. Highlighted with India ink (clear halo) and mucicarmine (red inner capsule)- Latex agglutination detects polysaccharide capsular antigen and is more specific.

- Causes cryptococcosis, cryptococcal meningitis, cryptococcal encephalitis ("soap bubble" lesions in brain), primarily in immunocompromised.

Treatment: Amphotericin B + flucytosine followed by fluconazole for cryptococcal meningitis.