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Macrophage Cholesterol Depletion and Its Effect on the Phagocytosis of Cryptococcus neoformans
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Cryptococcus neoformans blood stream infection in severe COVID-19 pneumonia

Rama V Thyagarajan1,2, Kristin E Mondy1,2, Dusten T Rose1

  • 1Dell Seton Medical Center at the University of Texas, USA.

Idcases
|September 6, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Severe COVID-19 pneumonia can lead to serious complications. This case highlights the potential for fungal infections, like Cryptococcus neoformans, to reactivate and worsen outcomes in patients with critical coronavirus disease.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pulmonology
  • Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • Severe coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is frequently associated with pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome.
  • Fungal coinfections are increasingly recognized as a contributor to mortality in severe COVID-19 patients.
  • Aspergillus ventilator-associated pneumonia is a known complication in critically ill patients.

Observation:

  • A patient with severe COVID-19 developed pneumonia.
  • The patient had a likely reactivation of community-acquired *Cryptococcus neoformans*.

Findings:

  • This case suggests that *Cryptococcus neoformans* reactivation can occur in the context of severe COVID-19.
  • Fungal coinfections, including *Cryptococcus neoformans*, may represent an underappreciated threat in severe COVID-19.

Implications:

  • Recognizing and managing fungal coinfections, such as *Cryptococcus neoformans*, is crucial for improving outcomes in severe COVID-19.
  • Further research is needed to understand the epidemiology and clinical impact of fungal reactivation in COVID-19 patients.
  • This case underscores the importance of considering non-bacterial pathogens in the differential diagnosis of worsening respiratory status in severe COVID-19.
Keywords:
COVID-19CoronavirusCryptococcus neoformansPandemicRespiratory distress syndrome-adult

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