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Cutaneous cryptococcosis due to Cryptococcus neoformans var. gattii
L C Severo1, I Berta-E-Zardo, A T Londero
1Laboratório de Microbiologia Clinica, IPD - Santa Casa, Annes Dias, 285, Porto Alegre 90020-090 RS Brazil. severo@santacasa.tche.br
Revista Iberoamericana De Micologia
|October 22, 2004
Summary
This study presents a rare case of skin infection caused by Cryptococcus neoformans var. gattii in a healthy individual. It also reviews literature on cutaneous cryptococcosis and discusses the occurrence of this fungal variety in Brazil.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Dermatology
Background:
- Cryptococcosis is a fungal infection, often opportunistic.
- Cryptococcus neoformans var. gattii is a distinct genotype.
- Cutaneous manifestations of cryptococcosis are less common, especially in immunocompetent hosts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of cutaneous cryptococcosis caused by Cryptococcus neoformans var. gattii in an immunocompetent patient.
- To review existing literature on cutaneous cryptococcosis due to this specific fungal variety.
- To comment on the prevalence of Cryptococcus neoformans var. gattii in Brazil.
Main Methods:
- Case presentation of a patient with cutaneous lesions.
- Comprehensive literature search on cutaneous cryptococcosis and Cryptococcus neoformans var. gattii.
- Analysis of epidemiological data regarding the occurrence in Brazil.
Main Results:
- A case of cutaneous cryptococcosis due to Cryptococcus neoformans var. gattii was successfully identified in an immunocompetent host.
- Literature review confirmed the rarity of this presentation.
- Preliminary observations suggest a potential for increased recognition of this variety in Brazil.
Conclusions:
- Cutaneous cryptococcosis by Cryptococcus neoformans var. gattii can occur in immunocompetent individuals.
- Further research is needed to understand the epidemiology and clinical spectrum of this fungus in Brazil.