EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES ON TREATMENT OF HUMAN TORULOSIS

Abstract

TORULOSIS is a fatal disease caused by the yeastlike fungus, Cryptococcus neoformans (Torulopsis histolytica, Lodder). The number of reported cases is increasing, and it has become evident that the disease is not as rare as was once thought. More than 120 cases are on record,¹ and the 3 unreported cases that are known to us indicate that there are many more. The clinical and pathologic features are primarily those of meningoencephalitis.² The disease may simulate other disorders of the central nervous system, particularly tuberculous meningitis and tumor of the brain. The disease is worldwide. The factors predisposing to infection and the portal of entry are unknown. The histopathology has been excellently described.^2b Treatment has been eminently unsuccessful, the patients usually dying within four to six months after the appearance of symptoms. The spontaneous remissions which may occur are usually brief. This fact obviously complicates the evaluation