There are more than 60 different species of opossum, which are often called possums. The most notable is the Virginia opossum or common opossumâthe only marsupial (pouched mammal) found in the United States and Canada. A female opossum gives birth to helpless young as tiny as honeybees.
Disseminated cryptococcosis, particularly with peritonitis, is an uncommon manifestation of Cryptococcus neoformans infection. Liver cirrhosis serves as a risk factor for disseminated disease in HIV-negative patients.
Disseminated disease results after hematogenous spread, with the CNS and skin being the most common secondary sites. In addition to meningitis, disseminated Cryptococcus infection can cause hepatitis, osteomyelitis, prostatitis, pyelonephritis, and peritonitis. Cutaneous signs may be the first indication of infection, preceding the diagnosis of disseminated disease by 2-8 months, making its recognition crucial to early treatment.