Diabetes mellitus as a risk factor for cryptococcal meningitis in immunocompetent.

Abstract

Cryptococcal meningoencephalitis (CM) is one of the major causes of mortality and morbidity in immunocompromised patients estimating 650,000 deaths each year. Across the globe, CM has been occasionally seen in apparently immunocompetent patients who otherwise don’t have established risk factors. The clinical presentation of CM in immunocompetent hosts is subtle and often results in complications including persistent neurological deficits and death. We present a case of Cryptococcal neoformans meningitis in a diabetic female with no other identified risk factors. Although her clinical presentation was atypical, her clinical course was uncomplicated. The pathophysiology in immunocompetent hosts appears somewhat different, so is the clinical presentation. Since there are no separate evidence-based treatment recommendations, it is challenging to treat this group of patients. There seems to be a need for further studies for management in CM for HIV negative, non-transplant immunocompetent patients.