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Disseminated cryptococcal infection in a lymphoma suspected patient
Nazia Khursheed1, Amna Umer2, Fareeha Adnan3
1Dr. Nazia Khursheed, FCPS Microbiology, Department of Microbiology, Indus Hospital and Health Network, Karachi, Pakistan.
Abstract:
Cryptococcus neoformans is an opportunistic pathogen, mainly responsible for meningitis in immunodeficient individuals. We report a rare case of dessiminated cryptococcosis in a six years old boy, patient was being evaluated for lymphoma. In the present case the causative agent was Cryptococcus neoformans. It was diagnosed through Bactec, aerobic blood culture bottle. The cause of hospitalization of the patient was fever with abdominal pain. Blood and CSF culture revealed the presence of Cryptococcus neoformans which was further confirmed by urease test and corn meal tween agar (CMT). In the present case fungus was unusually isolated earlier from blood culture rather than cerebrospinal fluid.
Insights
This case study details a rare instance of disseminated cryptococcosis in a young boy with lymphoma. Cryptococcus neoformans was identified in blood and CSF cultures, highlighting an unusual early isolation from blood.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Cryptococcus neoformans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen.
- It commonly causes meningitis in immunocompromised individuals.
- Disseminated cryptococcosis is rare, especially in children.
Observation:
- A six-year-old boy being evaluated for lymphoma presented with fever and abdominal pain.
- Blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cultures were performed.
- The patient had underlying conditions that may have predisposed him to infection.
Findings:
- Disseminated cryptococcosis caused by Cryptococcus neoformans was diagnosed.
- The fungus was identified using Bactec blood culture, urease test, and corn meal tween agar (CMT).
- Notably, Cryptococcus neoformans was isolated from blood culture before cerebrospinal fluid culture.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering disseminated fungal infections in immunocompromised children.
- Early detection through blood cultures can be crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.
- Further research into the presentation of cryptococcosis in pediatric populations is warranted.
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