Cryptococcus albidus (Naganishia albida) meningitis in a young patient with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

Cryptococcus albidus, an emerging pathogen, poses diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, especially in immunocompromised patients. We report a case of C. albidus meningitis in a young T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia patient, initially suspected to have Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) encephalitis. CSF analysis confirmed C. albidus, leading to antifungal therapy with liposomal amphotericin B and flucytosine, resulting in clinical improvement. Elevated procalcitonin levels suggest a potential role in fungal infections. This case underscores the importance of early identification and appropriate treatment in C. albidus meningitis.