Cryptococcemia in pancreas-kidney transplant patient

Area of Science:

• Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Transplantation

Background:

• Solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients are immunocompromised, increasing their susceptibility to invasive fungal infections (IFIs).
• Cryptococcosis ranks as the third most frequent IFI in SOT patients.
• Cryptococcemia, a severe form of cryptococcosis, carries a significant mortality risk.

Observation:

• A 31-year-old female recipient of a pancreas-kidney transplant was admitted for management of a suspected Hemodialysis catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI).
• The patient presented with clinical signs suggestive of a bloodstream infection.

Findings:

• The patient was diagnosed with cryptococcemia.
• This diagnosis occurred in the context of a suspected CRBSI.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of considering IFIs, particularly cryptococcosis, in transplant recipients presenting with bloodstream infections.
• Early and accurate diagnosis of cryptococcemia is crucial for timely treatment and improved outcomes in immunocompromised patients.
• Vigilance for fungal infections is essential in the post-transplant period, even when other infections are suspected.