[DISSEMINATED CRYPTOCOCCOSIS IN A LIVER TRANSPLANT RECIPIENT DIAGNOSED BY TZANCK SMEAR]

Cryptococcus neoformans is an opportunistic fungus which causes severe morbidity and mortality among immune-compromised patients. Cutaneous manifestations of systemic cryptococcosis are rare and may include a papulo-nodular rash, ulcers, cellulitis, molluscum contagiosum-like papules and more. The Tzanck smear is a well-known simple diagnostic test which can be performed bedside, in order to characterize cell cytology. Its classic use was in diagnosis of autoimmune blistering diseases or herpes virus infections. However, in recent years it has been used as an efficient diagnostic tool for other dermatologic conditions. We present a case of a 47-year old liver transplant recipient who presented with numerous cutaneous manifestations of disseminated cryptococcosis, initially diagnosed with bacterial cellulitis and non-melanoma skin cancer. With the aid of the Tzanck smear we rapidly established the correct diagnosis leading to swift treatment.