Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 9, 2026

Ex Vivo Infection of Human Lymphoid Tissue and Female Genital Mucosa with Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 and Histoculture
11:14

Ex Vivo Infection of Human Lymphoid Tissue and Female Genital Mucosa with Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 and Histoculture

Published on: October 12, 2018

Cryptococcemia resulting in an incomplete abortion in an HIV-positive patient

Kurosh Rahimi1, Runjan Chetty, Blaise Clarke

  • 1Department of Pathology, University Health Network/University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario.

The Canadian Journal of Infectious Diseases & Medical Microbiology = Journal Canadien Des Maladies Infectieuses Et De La Microbiologie Medicale
|September 3, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Cryptococcemia, a fungal infection, caused a miscarriage in an HIV-positive patient. This case highlights unusual presentations of cryptococcosis in immunocompromised individuals, emphasizing the need for early diagnosis.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunocompromised Host Research

Background:

  • Immunocompromised patients are susceptible to opportunistic infections.
  • Cryptococcosis is a fungal infection caused by *Cryptococcus* species.
  • Unusual clinical presentations are common in immunocompromised individuals.

Observation:

  • A case of cryptococcemia leading to miscarriage is presented.
  • The patient was diagnosed with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection.
  • The infection was the initial presentation and sentinel event for the patient's HIV diagnosis.

Findings:

  • Histological examination of products of conception revealed numerous *Cryptococcus* organisms.
  • A focal granulomatous response to the fungi was observed.
  • No evidence of cryptococcal endometritis or other concurrent infections was found.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering exotic infections in immunocompromised patients.
  • Early diagnosis and management of cryptococcosis are crucial in HIV-positive individuals.
  • Cryptococcemia can have severe reproductive consequences, including miscarriage.

Keywords:
CryptococcusHIVIncomplete abortion

More Related Videos

An In vitro Co-infection Model to Study Plasmodium falciparum-HIV-1 Interactions in Human Primary Monocyte-derived Immune Cells07:39

An In vitro Co-infection Model to Study Plasmodium falciparum-HIV-1 Interactions in Human Primary Monocyte-derived Immune Cells

Published on: August 15, 2012

Related Concept Videos

Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal 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,...
Cytomegalovirus Disease01:27

Cytomegalovirus Disease

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is caused by human cytomegalovirus, a double-stranded DNA virus of the Herpesviridae family. While primary CMV infection is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, the virus can cause severe disease in neonates and immunocompromised patients. CMV is the most common cause of congenital viral infection in the United States, and a major pathogen in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.CMV is transmitted via bodily fluids, sexual...
Immunodeficiency Diseases01:25

Immunodeficiency Diseases

Immunodeficiency disorders are conditions in which the immune system's ability to fight infectious disease and cancer is compromised or entirely absent. The immune system comprises a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from potentially harmful invaders. When this system is deficient or not functioning properly, it leaves the body susceptible to infections, diseases, or other complications.
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency disorders...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I01:29

Pulmonary 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...
Candidiasis01:20

Candidiasis

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...
Amebiasis01:28

Amebiasis

Entamoeba histolytica, a protozoan parasite, is responsible for intestinal and extraintestinal amebiasis. Though a significant proportion of infections remain asymptomatic, approximately 50 million individuals annually are estimated to present with clinical disease, resulting in up to 100,000 deaths globally. The disease burden is disproportionately high in regions with lower socioeconomic status, such as parts of India, Africa, Mexico, and Latin America.Etiology and TransmissionThe infective...