Cryptococcus neoformans is associated with meningitis/encephalitis and can be visualized with India ink stain, often involving pigeons. Which statement is correct?

Cryptococcus neoformans is associated with meningitis/encephalitis and can be visualized with India ink stain, often involving pigeons. Which statement is correct?

• A. Histoplasma capsulatum
• B. Cryptococcus neoformans
• C. Candida albicans
• D. Aspergillus fumigatus

Answer: (B)

India ink staining highlights the capsule of certain encapsulated yeasts, and Cryptococcus neoformans is the classic organism that fits the scenario of meningitis/encephalitis with a capsule visible in CSF. The thick polysaccharide capsule of Cryptococcus pulls away from the cell and appears as a clear halo against the dark background, making it recognizable on India ink prep. This organism is frequently linked to meningitis in immunocompromised patients and has a well-known reservoir in pigeon droppings, which is why pigeons are often mentioned in association with it. Among the listed organisms, only Cryptococcus neoformans has this combination of encapsulation, a positive India ink appearance in CSF, and a predilection for meningitis/encephalitis with that pigeon-related exposure. Histoplasma capsulatum, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus fumigatus cause other diseases and do not characteristically present with an India ink–positive encapsulated yeast in meningitis.

India ink staining highlights the capsule of certain encapsulated yeasts, and Cryptococcus neoformans is the classic organism that fits the scenario of meningitis/encephalitis with a capsule visible in CSF. The thick polysaccharide capsule of Cryptococcus pulls away from the cell and appears as a clear halo against the dark background, making it recognizable on India ink prep. This organism is frequently linked to meningitis in immunocompromised patients and has a well-known reservoir in pigeon droppings, which is why pigeons are often mentioned in association with it. Among the listed organisms, only Cryptococcus neoformans has this combination of encapsulation, a positive India ink appearance in CSF, and a predilection for meningitis/encephalitis with that pigeon-related exposure. Histoplasma capsulatum, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus fumigatus cause other diseases and do not characteristically present with an India ink–positive encapsulated yeast in meningitis.