[Bilateral amaurosis due to cryptococcus meningoencephalitis: case report]

Area of Science:

• Medical Mycology
• Pediatric Neurology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Cryptococcal meningitis is a serious fungal infection of the central nervous system.
• It is typically associated with immunosuppression, particularly HIV infection.
• Central nervous system infections are rare in immunocompetent children.

Observation:

• This report details a case of meningitis caused by Cryptococcus neoformans var. gattii in an 8-year-old immunocompetent child.
• The child presented with optic atrophy, a severe ocular complication.
• Ocular complications, such as optic disc swelling, are common in cryptococcal meningitis.

Findings:

• Cryptococcus neoformans var. gattii can cause meningitis in immunocompetent children.
• Optic atrophy is a potential severe visual morbidity associated with this infection.
• Treatment involved amphotericin B and corticosteroids.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of considering cryptococcal meningitis in immunocompetent children with neurological and ocular symptoms.
• Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential to prevent irreversible visual loss.
• Further research into therapeutic strategies is needed to mitigate visual morbidity in cryptococcal meningitis.