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A Case of Pulmonary Cryptococcosis Caused by Capsule-Deficient Cryptococcus neoformans

Brandol Wolfenbarger1, Erin Britt2

  • 1Pathology, Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dothan, USA.

Cureus
|December 6, 2023
PubMed

Insights

This case study highlights pulmonary cryptococcosis caused by a rare capsule-deficient Cryptococcus neoformans (CN) strain in an immunocompromised patient. It underscores the diagnostic challenges posed by atypical fungal infections in vulnerable populations.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunocompromised Host Research

Background:

  • Cryptococcosis, a serious fungal infection, is primarily caused by Cryptococcus neoformans (CN).
  • Immunocompromised individuals face a higher risk of severe cryptococcal infections.
  • Standard diagnostic approaches may be challenged by atypical presentations of CN.

Observation:

  • A 51-year-old immunocompromised male presented with symptoms mimicking community-acquired pneumonia.
  • The patient was diagnosed with pulmonary cryptococcosis caused by a capsule-deficient CN strain.
  • Factors contributing to susceptibility included construction dust exposure and immunosuppressive therapy for psoriatic arthritis.

Findings:

  • Capsule deficiency in CN alters its typical presentation and virulence.
  • The absence of the characteristic capsule complicated the initial diagnosis.
  • The study reviews the mechanism, pathogenesis, and clinical implications of capsule-deficient CN.

Implications:

  • This case emphasizes the diverse clinical manifestations of cryptococcosis, particularly in immunocompromised patients.
  • Diagnostic strategies must consider unusual presentations of fungal pathogens like capsule-deficient CN.
  • Understanding capsule-deficient strains is crucial for accurate and timely diagnosis and treatment of cryptococcosis.
Keywords:
capsule deficient cryptococcus neoformanscryptococcus neoformans (c. neoformans)fungal lung infectionhistology and histopathologypulmonary cryptococcosis

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