HIV infection presenting as bone marrow cryptococcosis
Arpana Dharwadkar1, Shruti Vimal1, Archana C Buch1
1Department of Pathology, Pad Dr DY Patil Medical College, Pune, Maharashtra, India.
Advanced Biomedical Research
|August 28, 2014
Summary
Disseminated cryptococcosis, a rare initial sign in immunocompromised patients, can be the first manifestation of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Bone marrow granulomas with cryptococcal yeast are key diagnostic clues.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Hematology
- Immunology
Background:
- Disseminated cryptococcosis is an uncommon initial presentation in immunocompromised individuals.
- Early identification of opportunistic infections is crucial for managing underlying conditions.
Observation:
- A 40-year-old female presented with fever and epigastric pain.
- Peripheral blood smear showed a leukoerythroblastic picture with thrombocytopenia.
- Bone marrow aspiration revealed granulomas and cryptococcal yeast forms.
Findings:
- The patient tested positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antigen via ELISA.
- Bone marrow granulomas in this context are indicative of opportunistic infections.
- Disseminated cryptococcosis can be the inaugural clinical manifestation of HIV infection.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering disseminated cryptococcosis in immunocompromised patients presenting with non-specific symptoms.
- Bone marrow examination is a valuable diagnostic tool for identifying opportunistic infections like cryptococcosis in HIV-positive individuals.
- Early diagnosis and treatment of cryptococcosis are essential for improving outcomes in patients with undiagnosed HIV.
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