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Cryptococcus laurentii lung abscess
The American Review of Respiratory Disease
|January 1, 1981
Summary
A rare pulmonary Cryptococcus laurentii infection occurred in an immunocompromised patient. Treatment with amphotericin B and reduced corticosteroids led to full recovery, avoiding surgery.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Cryptococcus laurentii is a rare cause of cryptococcosis, typically non-pathogenic.
- Pulmonary cryptococcosis is usually caused by Cryptococcus neoformans.
- Corticosteroid therapy can predispose patients to opportunistic infections.
Observation:
- A patient with dermatomyositis on corticosteroid therapy developed pulmonary infection.
- The causative agent was identified as Cryptococcus laurentii.
- This represents the first reported case of pulmonary involvement by C. laurentii.
Findings:
- The C. laurentii isolate was susceptible to amphotericin B but resistant to 5-fluorocytosine.
- No synergistic effect was observed between amphotericin B and 5-fluorocytosine.
- Clinical and radiographic resolution was achieved with amphotericin B and reduced corticosteroid dosage, without surgical intervention.
Implications:
- Highlights the potential for rare Cryptococcus species to cause opportunistic pulmonary infections in immunocompromised individuals.
- Suggests amphotericin B as an effective treatment for pulmonary C. laurentii infections.
- Emphasizes the importance of considering non-neoformans Cryptococcus species in diagnosing pulmonary fungal infections.