Around the world, approximately 1 million cases of cryptococcosis are reported each year, resulting in around 625,000 deaths. In the United States, the incidence of cryptococcosis is estimated to be around 0.4-1.3 cases per 100,000 in general population and 2-7 cases per 100,000 in people affected with AIDS, and the estimated case fatality ratio is approximately 12%.
Immune suppression associated with AIDS, diabetes, chronic liver disease, chronic renal disease, prolonged use of steroids, and organ transplant is the major mechanism that predisposes patients to cryptococcal disease.