Primary Cutaneous Cryptococcosis Caused by Cryptococcus Neoformans in an Immunocompetent Patient

Abstract

Cryptococcosis is a fungal infection caused by Cryptococcus species, most commonly affecting immunocompromised individuals, while very few cases of the infection in immunocompetent hosts are available in the literature. In this manuscript, we present a case of primary cutaneous cryptococcosis caused by Cryptococcus neoformans in an immunocompetent patient. While cutaneous manifestation is usually a secondary sign of the disseminated disease, our patient presented with primary cutaneous cryptococcosis. Additionally, reports on cryptococcosis cases suggest that immunocompetent hosts are typically infected by C. gattii. However, culture of the discharge from our immunocompetent patient showed heavy growth of C. neoformans. This case highlights the importance of considering cutaneous cryptococcosis as differential diagnosis of ulcerated skin lesions in patients with an exposure to bird droppings, regardless of their immune status and systemic manifestations.