Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 6, 2026
11:07
Macrophage Cholesterol Depletion and Its Effect on the Phagocytosis of Cryptococcus neoformans
Published on: December 19, 2014
[Cutaneous cryptococcosis in an immunocompetent host]
Carmine Coppola1, Giovanna Ferraioli, Ferdinando Scarano
1Unita Operativa di Medicina; Centro di Epatologia ed Ecointerventistica, ASL Napoli 5, Ospedale "S. Leonardo", Italy.
Le Infezioni in Medicina
|April 30, 2003
Insights
A rare case of cutaneous cryptococcosis in an immunocompetent woman is presented. The fungal infection, caused by Cryptococcus neoformans, was successfully treated with fluconazole.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Cutaneous cryptococcosis is an uncommon fungal infection, particularly in immunocompetent individuals.
- Cryptococcus neoformans is a fungal pathogen typically associated with disseminated disease in immunocompromised hosts.
Observation:
- A 62-year-old immunocompetent woman presented with distinct skin lesions on her right arm and hypogastrium.
- Aspiration of pus from the lesions revealed the presence of Cryptococcus neoformans.
Findings:
- Diagnosis of cutaneous cryptococcosis was confirmed through direct demonstration and isolation of Cryptococcus neoformans.
- The patient exhibited a positive clinical response to fluconazole therapy.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering cutaneous cryptococcosis even in immunocompetent patients presenting with unexplained skin lesions.
- Fluconazole can be an effective treatment option for cutaneous cryptococcosis.
- Further research may elucidate the specific factors contributing to cryptococcal skin infections in immunocompetent individuals.
Abstract:
An immunocompetent 62-year-old woman presented with cutaneous lesions over her right arm and the hypogastrium. The diagnosis of cutaneous cryptococcosis was made on the basis of the demonstration and isolation of Cryptococcus neoformans from the aspirated pus. The patient responded to fluconazole treatment.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Skin Diseases and Disorders
Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
01:29Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
01:28Fungal Phylum Microsporidia
Microsporidia are a group of obligate intracellular fungi that were initially classified as protists but were later reclassified based on phylogenetic, molecular, and structural evidence linking them to the Chytridiomycota. These unicellular, non-motile organisms are highly specialized parasites that infect a wide range of animal hosts, including humans. They have evolved extensive genomic and metabolic reductions, making them highly dependent on their hosts for survival.Morphology and Genomic...
01:30Leishmaniasis
Leishmaniasis is a protozoal disease caused by species of the genus Leishmania and transmitted through the bite of infected female sandflies. The parasite exists in two principal morphological forms during its life cycle. A sandfly acquires intracellular amastigotes from an infected reservoir host, such as a dog. Within the sandfly, these forms differentiate into motile, flagellated promastigotes. During a subsequent blood meal, promastigotes are injected into the human host, where they...
01:27Cryptococcal Meningitis
Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
01:20Candidiasis
Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by opportunistic species of Candida. It can affect various anatomical sites, including the skin, oral cavity, nails, and genitourinary tract. Among its forms, vaginal candidiasis is the most common type of mucosal infection. It typically results from the overgrowth of Candida albicans in the vaginal mucosa. Under normal conditions, C. albicans exists as a commensal organism within the vaginal microbiota, regulated by the dominance of lactobacilli, which...