Disseminated cryptococcosis in an immunocompetent child

• Published in: BMJ case reports Vol. 2016; p. bcr2016217195
• Main Authors: Saeed, Noora, Ansari, Hena A, Khan, Nazoora, Aijaz, Mohsin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England BMJ Publishing Group LTD 16.11.2016; BMJ Publishing Group
• Series: Case Report
• Subjects: Abdomen; Anemia; Antifungal Agents; Asia; Biopsy; Bone marrow; Cellular biology; Child, Preschool; Chronic illnesses; Cryptococcosis - diagnosis; Cryptococcosis - microbiology; Cryptococcus neoformans; Female; Fungal infections; HIV; Human immunodeficiency virus; Humans; Hyperplasia; Immunocompetence; Immunocompromised Host; Indian Sub-Continent; Lymphadenitis - microbiology; Lymphatic system; Malaria; Meningitis, Cryptococcal; Parasitic diseases; Tropical diseases; Tuberculosis; Unusual Presentation of More Common Disease/Injury
• ISSN: 1757-790X; 1757-790X
• DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2016-217195

Cryptococcus is a ubiquitous fungus and is known for causing meningitis and cutaneous infections in immunocompromised individuals. Disseminated cryptococcal infection is very rare and almost always found to occur in immunocompromised individuals especially in persons infected with HIV. This is particularly attributed to its capsulated spores. But there are few reported cases in which it has been found to cause disseminated infections even in immunocompetent individuals. We report a similar case of disseminated cryptococcal infection in an immunocompetent host. Early detection and treatment of disseminated cryptococcosis is essential to reduce morbidity and for better outcome.