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Updated: May 20, 2026
11:07
Macrophage Cholesterol Depletion and Its Effect on the Phagocytosis of Cryptococcus neoformans
Published on: December 19, 2014
Sarcoid-like reaction in Cryptococcus neoformans infection.
Shuichi Yano1, Kanako Kobayashi, Toshikazu Ikeda
1Department of Pulmonary Medicine, National Hospital Organization Matsue Medical Center, Matsue, Japan. yano@matsue.hosp.go.jp
BMJ Case Reports
|August 1, 2012
Summary
We describe a rare case of a sarcoid-like reaction (SLR) that developed in a patient with Cryptococcus neoformans infection. This finding suggests that fungal infections should be considered as a potential cause of SLR.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Sarcoid-like reactions (SLRs) are granulomatous conditions that can mimic sarcoidosis.
- SLRs have been previously associated with various conditions, including malignancies.
- Differentiating between sarcoidosis and SLR can be diagnostically challenging.
Observation:
- A patient with a diagnosed Cryptococcus neoformans infection developed symptoms consistent with an SLR.
- Diagnostic evaluation included biopsy specimens and chest radiological imaging.
- Propionibacterium acnes bacterial (PAB) antibody staining on biopsy specimens was negative.
Findings:
- The patient's chest radiological findings showed improvement following antifungal treatment.
- The negative PAB staining supported a diagnosis of SLR rather than sarcoidosis.
- This case represents the first documented instance of an SLR occurring concurrently with cryptococcal infection.
Implications:
- Cryptococcal infection should be recognized as a potential trigger for sarcoid-like reactions.
- This expands the differential diagnosis for patients presenting with SLR.
- Further research is warranted to understand the mechanisms linking fungal infections and SLR.
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