Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 15, 2025
11:07
Macrophage Cholesterol Depletion and Its Effect on the Phagocytosis of Cryptococcus neoformans
Published on: December 19, 2014
12.9K
Disseminated Cryptococcus neoformans infection associated to COVID-19
Diana Alegre-González1, Sabina Herrera2, Javier Bernal2
1Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital San Pedro, Logroño, 26007, Spain.
Medical Mycology Case Reports
|October 27, 2021
Summary
High-dose corticosteroids for severe COVID-19 can lead to serious fungal infections, even in patients not previously immunosuppressed. This case highlights the increased risk of opportunistic infections during COVID-19 treatment.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonology
- Immunology
Background:
- Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is linked to immune system dysregulation.
- Immunosuppressive therapies, including high-dose corticosteroids, are used in severe COVID-19 cases.
- These treatments can elevate the risk of opportunistic infections.
Observation:
- A case study of a patient with severe COVID-19 and cryptogenic organizing pneumonia is presented.
- The patient had no prior history of immunosuppression.
- The patient developed a serious fungal infection following high-dose corticosteroid treatment.
Findings:
- High-dose corticosteroid use in severe COVID-19 can precipitate severe fungal infections.
- Cryptogenic organizing pneumonia may be a complicating factor in COVID-19 patients.
- Opportunistic fungal infections are a significant risk in immunocompromised COVID-19 patients.
Implications:
- Clinicians should be vigilant for opportunistic fungal infections in COVID-19 patients receiving immunosuppressants.
- Risk-benefit assessment of high-dose corticosteroids in severe COVID-19 warrants careful consideration.
- Further research into managing opportunistic infections in immunocompromised COVID-19 patients is needed.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:29Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology
960
The pathophysiology of pneumonia involves the following steps:
960
01:28Fungal Phylum Microsporidia
179
Microsporidia are a group of obligate intracellular fungi that were initially classified as protists but were later reclassified based on phylogenetic, molecular, and structural evidence linking them to the Chytridiomycota. These unicellular, non-motile organisms are highly specialized parasites that infect a wide range of animal hosts, including humans. They have evolved extensive genomic and metabolic reductions, making them highly dependent on their hosts for survival.Morphology and Genomic...
179
01:31Pulmonary Tuberculosis III
519
Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious infection primarily affecting the lung parenchyma but which can also affect other body parts. TB can be classified based on disease development, presentation, and the affected anatomical site.
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
519
01:20COPD: Pathogenesis and Clinical Features
690
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of lung conditions that progressively worsen over time, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. This cluster of diseases collectively leads to a gradual and irreversible decline in lung function over time.
The primary cause for the onset of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. These hazardous factors initiate a chain reaction within the lungs, resulting in chronic inflammation, damage to the airways, and a...
The primary cause for the onset of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. These hazardous factors initiate a chain reaction within the lungs, resulting in chronic inflammation, damage to the airways, and a...
690
01:28Pulmonary Tuberculosis II
641
Tuberculosis, or TB, is a bacterial infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While its primary impact is on the lungs, leading to pulmonary tuberculosis, it can also affect various other organs, a condition referred to as extrapulmonary tuberculosis.
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
641
01:23Cystic Fibrosis: Pathogenesis
420
Cystic fibrosis (CF), an autosomal recessive disorder, significantly affects the function of exocrine glands. This genetically inherited disease is characterized by the production of thick and sticky mucus, which can severely affect various organs and systems in the body.
CF is primarily caused by a genetic mutation in a chromosome 7 gene coding for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. The most common gene mutation leading to CF is the ΔF508 mutation,...
CF is primarily caused by a genetic mutation in a chromosome 7 gene coding for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. The most common gene mutation leading to CF is the ΔF508 mutation,...
420