Identification of Cryptococcus Species in the Diagnostic Laboratory

Abstract

A comparative study of the laboratory identification of Cryptococcus neoformans with the classic tests and with Staib’s medium (“birdseed” agar) was made. Identification of C. neoformans by the usual laboratory technics may take 7 to 24 days after the specimen is received; however, in the majority of instances the use of Staib’s medium can shorten this to 3 to 4 days. A practical laboratory approach to the diagnosis of the Cryptococcus species, based on the use of this medium, is proposed.