Fatal Disseminated Cryptococcus Infection in an Immunocompetent Patient

Abstract

Introduction: Cryptococcosis is an opportunistic fungal infection mostly in immunocompromised patients. Here we present the immunocompetent case with crypotoccosis. Case Presentation: A 60-year-old man without any history of immunodeficiency or major risk factor of fungal infection, referred to the emergency department with systemic symptoms and low back pain. The patient’s condition gradually deteriorated within days by forming the clinical picture of a multi−system disease and eventually leading to a fatal outcome. The results of skin biopsy, BAL, gastrointestinal biopsy samples and post mortem lung and liver necropsies confirmed the disseminated Cryptococcus neoformans infection in smears and cultures. Discussion: This case emphasizes the need for a high index of suspicion for fungal infections in patients with multi−organ involvements who are unresponsive to treatment. Even without any obvious history or sign of immunodeficiency.