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Updated: May 13, 2026
09:52
Histological Quantification to Determine Lung Fungal Burden in Experimental Aspergillosis
Published on: March 9, 2018
[Clinical problems in medical mycology: problem number 46]
Ricardo Negroni1, Alicia Arechavala1, Gabriela Santiso1
1Centro de Estudios Micológicos, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Revista Iberoamericana De Micologia
|March 7, 2013
Summary
This case study highlights a rare instance of pulmonary cryptococcosis in an immunocompetent adult. Early diagnosis and treatment with itraconazole led to successful recovery from this fungal lung infection.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Mycology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Cryptococcus neoformans typically causes opportunistic infections in immunocompromised individuals.
- Pulmonary cryptococcosis can present as pneumonia with excavated infiltrates, mimicking other lung pathologies.
- This case involves an immunocompetent adult with risk factors including smoking.
Observation:
- A 49-year-old male smoker presented with acute febrile illness, cough, and leg pain.
- Chest imaging revealed bilateral excavated pneumonic infiltrates in the right lower lung.
- Initial antibiotic therapy was ineffective.
Findings:
- Lung biopsy confirmed epithelioid granuloma with encapsulated yeasts, identified as Cryptococcus neoformans.
- Cryptococcus neoformans antigenemia was detected at 1:128.
- Cerebrospinal fluid and brain MRI ruled out central nervous system involvement.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering fungal infections like pulmonary cryptococcosis in patients with refractory pneumonia.
- Accurate histopathological and microbiological diagnosis is crucial for appropriate treatment.
- Successful treatment with oral itraconazole demonstrates its efficacy in managing pulmonary cryptococcosis in select cases.
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