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Published on: June 11, 2011
Disseminated cryptococcosis in an HIV-negative patient
S Rajpal1, S Dwivedi, S C Chaudhary
1Department of Medicine, University College of Medical Sciences and GTB Hospital, Shahdara, Delhi-110095, India.
Tropical Doctor
|March 21, 2009
Summary
This case highlights cryptococcosis, a fungal infection, presenting with skin lesions that mimic molluscum contagiosum. Early diagnosis is crucial for immunocompetent individuals presenting with fever and altered sensorium.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Cryptococcosis is an opportunistic fungal infection, typically affecting immunocompromised individuals.
- Cutaneous manifestations of cryptococcosis can be diverse and sometimes misdiagnosed.
- Molluscum contagiosum presents as characteristic umbilicated papules, a common pediatric viral infection.
Observation:
- A young, immunocompetent female presented with fever, altered sensorium, and facial/truncal lesions.
- Initial diagnosis considered disseminated herpes simplex or molluscum contagiosum due to lesion appearance.
- Cutaneous biopsy revealed numerous cryptococcal organisms, confirmed by periodic acid-Schiff staining.
Findings:
- The patient's skin lesions were histopathologically identified as cryptococcosis.
- The clinical presentation and morphology of the lesions closely resembled molluscum contagiosum.
- Despite being immunocompetent, the patient developed disseminated cryptococcosis.
Implications:
- Physicians should consider cryptococcosis in the differential diagnosis of atypical skin lesions, even in immunocompetent patients.
- This case underscores the importance of histopathological examination for accurate diagnosis of unusual cutaneous infections.
- Raising awareness can improve early detection and management of cryptococcosis, preventing severe outcomes.
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