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Gastric cryptococcal infection as an initial presentation of AIDS: a rare case report

Rupashree Sundar1, Lakshmi Rao, Geetha Vasudevan

  • 1Department of Pathology, KMC, Manipal, Manipal University, India. rupapruthvi@yahoo.com

Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine
|July 21, 2011
PubMed

Insights

This case highlights a rare instance of gastric cryptococcosis presenting with esophageal herpes in an AIDS patient. It underscores the importance of considering opportunistic infections in immunocompromised individuals, even with unusual initial symptoms.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunocompromised Host Research

Background:

  • Cryptococcus neoformans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen causing severe infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
  • While typically associated with central nervous system infections, Cryptococcus can affect various organs.
  • Gastrointestinal cryptococcosis is an uncommon manifestation, rarely presenting with distinct gastrointestinal symptoms.

Observation:

  • A patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) presented with esophageal herpes.
  • Further investigation revealed an underlying gastric cryptococcal infection.
  • This presentation was unusual, with gastrointestinal symptoms not being the primary complaint.

Findings:

  • The case demonstrates gastric cryptococcosis co-occurring with esophageal herpes.
  • This highlights the diverse and sometimes subtle presentations of opportunistic fungal infections in AIDS patients.
  • Gastrointestinal involvement by Cryptococcus neoformans can occur even without overt GI symptoms.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for opportunistic infections like cryptococcosis in immunocompromised patients, even with atypical initial symptoms.
  • Early recognition and diagnosis are crucial for managing potentially fatal infections.
  • This case contributes to the understanding of the varied clinical spectrum of Cryptococcus neoformans in the context of advanced HIV infection.

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