24. (Obj 22.15 ) Cryptococcosis: a. What is the reservoir? b. What part of the immune system does Cryptococcus evade?

To address your questions about Cryptococcosis: a. **Reservoir**: The primary reservoir for Cryptococcus neoformans, the fungus that causes cryptococcosis, is the environment, particularly in soil and decaying organic matter. It is often associated with bird droppings, especially from pigeons. b. **Immune System Evasion**: Cryptococcus neoformans primarily evades the immune system by utilizing its thick polysaccharide capsule, which helps it resist phagocytosis by immune cells such as macrophages. Additionally, it can manipulate the host's immune response, particularly by affecting T-cell responses, which are crucial for effective antifungal immunity. This allows the fungus to survive and proliferate in immunocompromised individuals, such as those with HIV/AIDS.