Cryptococcus neoformans is a pathogen that can cause cryptococcal meningitis. Cryptococcus neoformans is a fungus found in soil contaminated by bird droppings. It is also found in fruits, milk, plants and human feces (Davis, 2011). This type of fungus produces airborne spores. These spores can then be inhaled by humans. This is the only way an individual can become infected with cryptococcosis. Cryptococcosis is not a contagious disease. It cannot therefore be transmitted from one person to another. Cryptococcus neoformans is an opportunistic pathogen. Once an individual inhales these spores, they can become infected and develop what is called cryptococcal meningitis. However, not everyone develops cryptococcal meningitis. For the most part, when healthy individuals inhale these spores, they generally do not become infected with cryptococcosis. On the other hand, people with immunodeficiency due to an illness such as HIV or AIDS are very susceptible to cryptococcosis. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, cryptococcosis is one of the common causes of death in people infected with HIV or AIDS. This infection is very common, especially in poor countries where treatment and prevention of cryptococcosis are inaccessible. One example is sub-Saharan Africa, where one third to more than half of people infected with HIV/AIDS die from cryptococcal meningitis (CDC, 2012). What are the symptoms of cryptococcal meningitis? Symptoms of cryptococcal meningitis depend on each individual. Some people will inhale these spores and develop a lung infection without symptoms. However, some people will get a lung infection and experience problems...... middle of paper ...... when there is a delay in the detection of cryptococcosis in patients with immunodeficiency, this exposes patients are at risk of infection. with cryptococcal meningitis. Therefore, in my opinion, LFA is an excellent method for preventing and detecting cryptococcal meningitis. Since it is an easy test to perform and can detect CrAg quickly enough to treat infected patients. This is particularly beneficial for patients with immunodeficiency due to HIV/AIDS, as the infection can be detected early enough and can save the patient's life. Hopefully this test will reduce the number of people dying from Cryptococcus meningitis. It is very important that these laboratory tests are performed effectively and efficiently to avoid misdiagnosis, as cyrptococcal meningitis can be fatal for anyone infected with cryptococcosis...