Final answer:
Cryptococcus spores can D) cause meningitis when they infect the human body, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Symptoms include headaches, sensitivity to light, and confusion.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer is D) Cause meningitis.
Cryptococcus spores, specifically Cryptococcus neoformans, can cause meningitis when they infect the human body.
Infection occurs when immunocompromised individuals inhale the basidiospores of Cryptococcus, which are present in aerosols and can be found in bird feces and soil.
The spores are able to escape clearance by the alveolar macrophage due to their thick polysaccharide capsule.
Once inhaled, the yeast can disseminate to the brain, resulting in meningitis.
Symptoms of meningitis caused by Cryptococcus infection include headaches, sensitivity to light, and confusion.
If left untreated, these infections can be fatal.