If we accept that spores are the infectious agents for Cryptococcus and if C. gattii can affect immunocompetent and C.neoformans immunocompromised host, what factors trigger spore germination in the host?
Are there genetic differences in the two species that enhances virulence? How can understanding the genetic difference help in management?
the two species are clearly different. There is no specific virulence factor that can explain alone the difference in virulence. There are just two different fungi.
Not only can C. gatti infect the immunocompetent, C. neoformans can too. The ratio of the two infections in immunocompetent people is not known but some immunocompetent people are infected with C. gatti. I imagine both germinate in the host. The mystery to me is why so few immunocompromised people are infected with C. gatti.
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