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Ventriculitis due to Cryptococcus uniguttulatus
1Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tenn, USA.
Abstract:
Infections due to non-neoformans cryptococci are rare. We report the first case of a human infection caused by Cryptococcus uniguttulatus. Ventriculitis caused by this organism developed in a 65-year-old woman who had had repair of an internal carotid aneurysm. In vitro sensitivity testing showed the Cryptococcus species sensitive to amphotericin B and itraconazole. Treatment with amphotericin led to resolution of the infection.
Insights
This is the first reported human infection caused by Cryptococcus uniguttulatus, a rare fungal pathogen. The patient recovered after treatment with amphotericin B, indicating a potential therapeutic option for this unusual infection.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Case Reports
Background:
- Infections caused by non-neoformans Cryptococcus species are uncommon in humans.
- Cryptococcus uniguttulatus is a yeast typically found in environmental sources, rarely implicated in human disease.
Observation:
- A 65-year-old female patient developed ventriculitis following surgical repair of an internal carotid artery aneurysm.
- The causative agent was identified as Cryptococcus uniguttulatus.
Findings:
- In vitro antifungal susceptibility testing revealed that the isolated Cryptococcus uniguttulatus strain was sensitive to amphotericin B and itraconazole.
- Clinical resolution of ventriculitis was achieved with amphotericin B therapy.
Implications:
- This case highlights Cryptococcus uniguttulatus as a potential human pathogen, expanding the spectrum of cryptococcal infections.
- The findings suggest that amphotericin B is an effective treatment for ventriculitis caused by Cryptococcus uniguttulatus.
- Further research is warranted to understand the epidemiology and clinical spectrum of non-neoformans Cryptococcus infections.