Methamphetamine Enhances Cryptococcus neoformans Melanization, Antifungal Resistance, and Pathogenesis in a Murine Model of Drug Administration and Systemic Infection.

Methamphetamine (METH) is a major public health and safety problem in the United States. Chronic METH abuse is associated with a 2-fold-higher risk of HIV infection and, possibly, additional infections, particularly those that enter through the respiratory tract or skin. Cryptococcus neoformans is an encapsulated opportunistic yeast-like fungus that is a relatively frequent cause of meningoencephalitis in immunocompromised patients, especially in individuals with AIDS.

Coccidioidomycosis: Epidemiology, Fungal Pathogenesis, and Therapeutic Development.

Purpose Of Review: Coccidioidomycosis can result from the inhalation of infectious spores of species (spp.) or . Clinical manifestations range from mild flu-like disease to severe disseminated infection that can require life-long therapy.