Which of the following is a major virulence factor for the fungal pathogen Cryptococcus?

hemolysin

capsule

collagenase

fimbriae

The correct answer will be option - capsule.

Explanation:

The fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans causes cryptococcosis disease which affects the impaired immunity individuals like individuals with advanced HIV infection. Thus basic proliferation and evasion processes are necessary to understand to treat this infectious disease caused by this agent.

The major virulence factor of the fungal pathogen is the component of cell wall and polysaccharide called "capsule" and is the target of the antifungal drugs.

Thus, option-capsule is the correct answer.