Final answer:
The major virulence factor for Cryptococcus is capsule production, which makes the pathogen more virulent.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main virulence factor for Cryptococcus, a fungal pathogen that causes pneumonia and meningitis, is capsule production.
The polysaccharide glucuronoxylomannan is the principal constituent of the Cryptococcus capsule. Encapsulated Cryptococcus cells are more resistant to phagocytosis and, therefore, more virulent than nonencapsulated cells.