Invasive Cryptococcus neoformans infection in an asplenic patient

Individuals who are asplenic or have impaired splenic function are at increased risk of developing life-threatening infections, especially due to encapsulated bacteria. This risk is higher in children, but adults can also develop fulminant infection or "post splenectomy sepsis" (PSS). Cryptococcus neoformans is an encapsulated yeast usually causing infection in immunocompromised patients. In a recent review of cryptococcal infection in HIV-negative patients, splenectomy was reported to be a risk factor for infection in 3% of cases. Detailed case reports are lacking. Here we report a case of disseminated C. neoformans infection in a patient who had a splenectomy performed for warm autoantibody haemolytic anaemia some months before he presented with signs and symptoms of meningitis. This report aims to raise awareness of the possibility of C. neoformans infection in asplenic patients.