Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 29, 2026
15:43
Long Term Chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa Airway Infection in Mice
Published on: March 17, 2014
[Primary cutaneous cryptococcosis in a pigeon breeder]
Kjeld Andersen1, Pernille Ravn, Jette Bangsborg
1Neurologisk Afdeling, Rigshospitalet, Denmark. kjeldandersen@dadlnet.dk
Ugeskrift for Laeger
|October 1, 2011
Summary
A rare skin infection caused by Cryptococcus neoformans occurred in an immunosuppressed patient. Prompt antifungal treatment led to recovery, highlighting the need for broad differential diagnoses in non-responsive cases.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory condition often treated with corticosteroids like prednisone.
- Immunosuppression increases susceptibility to opportunistic infections.
- Cutaneous infections can present with diverse etiologies, including fungal pathogens.
Observation:
- A 73-year-old male patient with PMR on prednisone developed a hand ulcer after a pigeon scratch.
- Initial antibiotic therapy for the ulcer was ineffective.
- A skin biopsy was crucial for identifying the causative agent.
Findings:
- The biopsy confirmed the presence of *Cryptococcus neoformans*.
- The patient was diagnosed with primary cutaneous cryptococcosis, a rare fungal infection.
- Antifungal treatment resulted in complete recovery.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering fungal infections in immunosuppressed patients with non-healing skin lesions.
- It highlights the necessity of a thorough differential diagnosis when initial treatments fail.
- Primary cutaneous cryptococcosis, though rare, should be included in the differential for such presentations.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Cryptococcal Meningitis
Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
01:31Pulmonary Tuberculosis III
Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious infection primarily affecting the lung parenchyma but which can also affect other body parts. TB can be classified based on disease development, presentation, and the affected anatomical site.
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
01:28Pulmonary Tuberculosis II
Tuberculosis, or TB, is a bacterial infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While its primary impact is on the lungs, leading to pulmonary tuberculosis, it can also affect various other organs, a condition referred to as extrapulmonary tuberculosis.
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
01:29Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
01:26Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV
Tuberculosis, more commonly referred to as TB, is an infectious disease stemming from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While it primarily impacts the lungs, TB can also affect other body areas. Given its severity and global impact, timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial for controlling its spread and improving patient outcomes.
Several diagnostic approaches are used to detect TB. The conventional method is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test. However, this method has...
Several diagnostic approaches are used to detect TB. The conventional method is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test. However, this method has...
01:20Candidiasis
Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by opportunistic species of Candida. It can affect various anatomical sites, including the skin, oral cavity, nails, and genitourinary tract. Among its forms, vaginal candidiasis is the most common type of mucosal infection. It typically results from the overgrowth of Candida albicans in the vaginal mucosa. Under normal conditions, C. albicans exists as a commensal organism within the vaginal microbiota, regulated by the dominance of lactobacilli, which...