Disseminated cryptococcosis in an AIDS patient

Abstract

Humans live in peaceful coexistence with the microorganisms, but sometimes infectious conditions emerge. An increased incidence of invasive fungal infections is being observed recently. Yeasts and moulds now rank amongst the 10 most frequently isolated fungal pathogens among seriously ill patients. Cryptococcus neoformans is one of the common causes of meningitis in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected individuals. Previously considered a sleeping giant, Cryptococcus neoformans, has now become an important emerging threat after the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) pandemic. Cryptococcosis is the first illness to appear in around 45% of the cases, among the AIDS defining illnesses. We report a case of disseminated cryptococcosis in an AIDS patient. C. neoformans was isolated from Cerebrospinal fluid and blood as well. Novel strategies of screening and pre-emptive therapy offer great promise at making a sustained and much needed impact on reducing morbidity related opportunistic infections. We emphasize the importance of early suspicion of cryptococcal infection in AIDS patients to escalate early diagnosis and treatment. Keywords: Cryptococcosis, Cryptococcus neoformans, AIDS, Blood culture, Meningitis, Disseminated cryptococcosis.