Primary Cutaneous Cryptococcosis Caused by Cryptococcus gatti in an Elderly Patient

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Infectious Diseases
• Dermatology

Background:

• Fungal infections like cryptococcosis are classified as primary or secondary based on spread.
• Primary cutaneous cryptococcosis typically affects immunosuppressed individuals, rarely occurring in immunocompetent hosts.
• Cryptococcus gatti is an etiological agent of cryptococcosis.

Observation:

• A case report of an immunocompetent patient with systemic comorbidity is presented.
• The patient developed ulcerovegetative lesions on the right upper arm after skin trauma.
• Cryptococcus gatti, serotype B, was identified as the causative agent.

Findings:

• The patient had primary cutaneous cryptococcosis, a rare occurrence in immunocompetent individuals.
• Lesions were localized to the skin without systemic involvement.
• Complete healing of cutaneous lesions was achieved after 5 months of fluconazole therapy.

Implications:

• This case highlights that Cryptococcus gatti can cause primary cutaneous infections in immunocompetent individuals.
• It underscores the importance of considering fungal infections in immunocompetent patients presenting with unusual skin lesions after trauma.
• Fluconazole is an effective treatment for primary cutaneous cryptococcosis caused by Cryptococcus gatti.