Sputum: Cryptococcus gattii – Shipped January 16, 2017
HISTORY
This challenge was sent as a simulated sputum sample. Laboratories were expected to isolate and identify Cryptococcus gattii.
MAIN EDUCATIONAL POINTS from MY1701-1
- Cryptococcus species should never be considered part of the normal flora when present in clinical specimens.
- It is important that laboratories differentiate C. gattii from C. neoformans because of the differences between the two organisms in patient populations, treatment and outcome.