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Primary cutaneous cryptococcosis due to Cryptococcus gattii in Singapore

B P Lingegowda1, T H Koh, H S Ong

  • 1Department of Infectious Diseases, Singapore General Hospital, Outram Road, Singapore 169608. pushpalatha.bangalore.lingegowda@sgh.com.sg

Singapore Medical Journal
|August 3, 2011
PubMed

Insights

This case report details a rare primary cutaneous infection caused by Cryptococcus gattii in an immunocompetent individual following traumatic inoculation. It highlights the potential for C. gattii to cause skin infections, even in healthy hosts.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Cryptococcosis is a global invasive fungal infection.
  • Cryptococcus neoformans typically affects immunocompromised individuals, while Cryptococcus gattii primarily affects immunocompetent hosts.
  • C. gattii infections are increasingly noted in immunocompromised patients, including those with HIV.

Observation:

  • Cutaneous C. gattii infection in immunocompetent individuals is exceptionally rare.
  • C. gattii has been infrequently reported in Singapore, with previous cases presenting as meningitis in immunocompetent hosts.
  • The Eucalyptus tree, a natural habitat for C. gattii, is prevalent in Singapore.

Findings:

  • This report documents a primary cutaneous C. gattii infection in a 37-year-old migrant worker.
  • The infection occurred subsequent to traumatic inoculation.
  • This represents a rare instance of C. gattii manifesting as a primary skin infection in an immunocompetent patient.

Implications:

  • This case expands the known clinical spectrum of C. gattii infections.
  • It underscores the importance of considering C. gattii in the differential diagnosis of cutaneous fungal infections, particularly after inoculation injuries.
  • Further research into C. gattii's pathogenic potential and transmission routes is warranted.

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