Rarity revisited: cryptococcal peritonitis

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Hepatology
• Nephrology

Background:

• Cryptococcal peritonitis is an uncommon infection, often associated with immunosuppression.
• The gastrointestinal tract is a potential, though less common, entry point for Cryptococcus compared to the respiratory tract.

Observation:

• A case of cryptococcal peritonitis in an HIV-negative patient with liver cirrhosis is presented.
• A literature review identified 61 cases of cryptococcal peritonitis.

Findings:

• Liver cirrhosis emerged as a significant risk factor for cryptococcal peritonitis.
• Other major risk factors identified include Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) and end-stage renal disease requiring continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD).

Implications:

• Highlights the importance of considering cryptococcal peritonitis in immunocompromised patients and those with specific comorbidities.
• Suggests the gastrointestinal tract as a potential route of infection in certain clinical scenarios.
• Underscores the need for awareness of risk factors like liver cirrhosis, HIV/AIDS, and CAPD in diagnosing and managing cryptococcal peritonitis.