Introduction:Cryptococcosis is an invasive disease acquired by inhalation of infectious propagules from the environment. Currently, compulsory notifi cation of the spread of this disease is not required in Colombia. However, reporting of human immunodefi ciency virus (HIV)/acquired immune defi ciency syndrome cases to the National Surveillance System has suggested that there is a growing population at risk of contracting cryptococcosis. Few studies have described the occurrence of cryptococcosis in Colombia. Therefore, in this study, we examined the pathology of this disease in Atlántico, Colombia and determined the distributions of Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii in the environment. Methods: Clinical samples/isolates were gathered from cases of cryptococcosis previously diagnosed at health institutions in Atlántico, and surveys were completed by clinicians. The environmental study considered 32 sampling points and three tree species, i.e., Quickstick (Gliricidia sepium), Almond (Terminalia catappa), and Pink trumpet (Tabebuia rosea). Environmental and clinical samples/ isolates were analyzed for phenotypic and genotypic confi rmation. Results: From 1997-2014, 41 cases of cryptococcosis were reported. The mean patient age was 40.5 years (range: 18-63 years); 76% were men, and 78% were HIV positive. Isolation was possible in 38 cases (C. neoformans, molecular type VNI in 37 cases and C. gattii, molecular type VGI in one case). In 2012-2014, 2,068 environmental samples were analyzed with a positivity of 0.4% (C. neoformans, molecular type VNI) in Almond and Pink trumpet trees. Conclusions: Cryptococcus neoformans, molecular type VNI had a higher prevalence than C. gattii and was associated with human exposure and the pathogenesis of cryptococcosis in this geographical region.

Cryptococcosis is a major invasive fungal disease related worldwide with the AIDS population. New reports of HIV/AIDS cases to the national public health surveillance system (SIVIGILA) in Colombia have shown that there is a growing community at risk of contracting cryptococcosis throughout the country who do not have access to ART. Even though the most prevalent species Cryptococcus neoformans is mainly associated with the HIV population, we report a fatal case of cryptococcosis in an AIDS patient in Barranquilla, associated with Cryptococcus gattii VGI, isolated from blood culture.

Introduction: Cryptococcosis is the second most frequent cause of opportunistic infections in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients in Colombia. We aimed to determine the prevalence of cryptococcosis in the Colombian department of Atlántico. Methods: An active search for cryptococcosis cases was conducted between 2015 and 2017 in health institutions by distributing surveys to clinicians and characterizing samples phenotypically and genotypically. Results: Thirty-eight cryptococcosis cases were identified (81.6% men, 76.3% HIV patients). The calculated annual prevalence was 5.08/1 million inhabitants. Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii VNI was isolated in 34 cases. Conclusions: These results provide the basis for passive surveillance of cryptococcosis.

Cryptococcosis is a life-threatening mycosis reported mainly in human adults with low frequency in children. High mortality rates may occur in cases with late diagnosis therefore, a timely suspicion of this pathology is important. Cryptococcus gattii is the less prevalent species complex predominantly isolated from apparently normal hosts. We report a fatal case of neurocryptococcosis in a Colombian minor without known risk factors, in Barranquilla, Colombia. The patient was hospitalized for neurological assessment with a recent history of intense headache, vomiting, anorexia, loss of consciousness, drowsiness, inability to recognize family members, disorientation, aphasia and anxiety. Despite initiating antifungal treatment after isolation of the fungus from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the patient died early due to his deteriorated condition.