Abstract: Cryptococcus neoformans is a kind of encapsulated fungal organism that widely exists in the nature. Because of its neurotropic nature, the central nervous system becomes its major target organ. Cryptococcus neoformans can use "transcellular pathway", "paracellular pathway" and "Trojan horse approach" to cross blood-brain barrier, and then make the devastating diffusion. Despite antifungal therapy, the mortality rate remains between 10% and 25% in patients with cryptococcal meningitis (CM) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), and at least one-third of patients have experienced failure of antifungal therapy. Consequently, it is very important for us to understand the pathogenesis of CM, to diagnose as soon as possible and to explore more reasonable treatment.

Key words: Meningitis, cryptococcal, Cerebrospinal fluid, Cytological techniques, Antifungal agents, Review

摘要： 新型隐球菌系具有荚膜结构的酵母真菌，因其嗜中枢性而使中枢神经系统成为主要攻击部位，可通过跨细胞途径、细胞旁途径或“木马机制”突破血-脑脊液屏障，引起致命性新型隐球菌性脑膜炎。获得性免疫缺陷综合征合并新型隐球菌性脑膜炎病死率可达10% ~ 25% ，至少有约1/3 的患者经历抗菌药物治疗失败。因此了解其致病机制、尽快明确诊断、探索更为有效合理的治疗方案至关重要。

关键词: 脑膜炎, 隐球菌性, 脑脊髓液, 细胞学技术, 抗真菌药, 综述