Occurrence and significance of Cryptococcus neoformans in the oropharynx and on the skin of a healthy human population.

Cryptococcus neoformans was cultured on one occasion from the oropharyngeal washings in 1 of 820 and from the interdigital areas of the feet in 6 of 723 healthy persons. Among the positive persons were two school children, two laboratory workers, one gardener, one plumber, and one printing press worker. Repeat cultures were negative in all seven positive persons; serological tests for cryptococcal antigen/antibody were negative in three. The results demonstrate that C. neoformans may occur as a transient inhabitant of the oropharynx or skin of healthy people.