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HIV infection presenting as bone marrow cryptococcosis

Arpana Dharwadkar1, Shruti Vimal1, Archana C Buch1

  • 1Department of Pathology, Pad Dr DY Patil Medical College, Pune, Maharashtra, India.

Advanced Biomedical Research
|August 28, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Disseminated cryptococcosis, a rare initial sign in immunocompromised patients, can be the first manifestation of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Bone marrow granulomas with cryptococcal yeast are key diagnostic clues.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Hematology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Disseminated cryptococcosis is an uncommon initial presentation in immunocompromised individuals.
  • Early identification of opportunistic infections is crucial for managing underlying conditions.

Observation:

  • A 40-year-old female presented with fever and epigastric pain.
  • Peripheral blood smear showed a leukoerythroblastic picture with thrombocytopenia.
  • Bone marrow aspiration revealed granulomas and cryptococcal yeast forms.

Findings:

  • The patient tested positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antigen via ELISA.
  • Bone marrow granulomas in this context are indicative of opportunistic infections.
  • Disseminated cryptococcosis can be the inaugural clinical manifestation of HIV infection.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the importance of considering disseminated cryptococcosis in immunocompromised patients presenting with non-specific symptoms.
  • Bone marrow examination is a valuable diagnostic tool for identifying opportunistic infections like cryptococcosis in HIV-positive individuals.
  • Early diagnosis and treatment of cryptococcosis are essential for improving outcomes in patients with undiagnosed HIV.

Keywords:
Bone marrowcryptococcusgranulomaimmunosuppression

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