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Published on: November 5, 2019
Meningitis secondary to Cryptococcus gattii, an emerging pathogen affecting immunocompetent hosts
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, WA 98431, USA.
Background:
Meningitis continues to be one of the most important infections diagnosed and treated by emergency physicians. Despite the advent of anti-infective therapy, meningitis carries a mortality rate of 20%-40%. In this study, we describe the first reported emergency medicine case of meningitis associated with Cryptococcus gattii to alert providers of this insidious, emerging global pathogen infecting immunocompetent individuals.
Methods:
We provided a case report and accompanying review of the literature. A MEDLINE search for the term Cryptoccocus gattii was performed to obtain background information on Cryptococcus gattii.
Results:
After two months of hospitalization, the patient was eventually discharged neurologically intact except for a continued mild bilateral hearing deficit.
Conclusion:
Cryptococcus gattii is an emerging world pathogen, which affects otherwise healthy, immunocompetent patients and requires timely identification and treatment in order to prevent severe neurological sequelae.
Insights
Cryptococcus gattii meningitis is an emerging global threat affecting healthy individuals. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent severe neurological damage and improve patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Meningitis remains a critical diagnosis in emergency medicine, with mortality rates of 20%-40% despite treatment.
- Cryptococcus gattii is an emerging pathogen causing meningitis, notably in immunocompetent individuals.
Observation:
- This report details the first emergency medicine case of meningitis associated with Cryptococcus gattii.
- The patient experienced a prolonged hospitalization but was discharged with only a mild bilateral hearing deficit.
Findings:
- Cryptococcus gattii meningitis can affect otherwise healthy individuals.
- Timely identification and treatment are essential for preventing severe neurological sequelae.
Implications:
- Emergency physicians must be aware of Cryptococcus gattii as an emerging cause of meningitis.
- Prompt diagnosis and management are vital to mitigate severe neurological outcomes in affected patients.
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