Cryptococcus Infection in an Immunocompetent Patient

Abstract

Cryptococcal meningitis is a fungal infection of the CNS, generally thought of as an opportunistic infection in those with T-cell immunodeficiencies including AIDS (usually with a CD4 count of less than 100), chronic steroid use, hematological malignancies, and transplant recipients.It can have irreversible CNS morbidity, including vision loss, intracranial hypertension, and cognitive decline. Diagnosis depends on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, in which cultures and cryptococcal antigen are most sensitive. CSF PCR can also be done. Most patients have disseminated disease, and blood cultures are also positive. Outcomes remain guarded, with a poor prognosis (morbidity and high mortality) among survivors. This article presents a case of cryptococcal meningitis in an immunocompetent individual, where absolutely no identifiable risk factor was present.

A Suspected Case of COVID-19-Induced Immunosuppression

“…This article seeks to highlight that even in subclinical presentations (where COVID-19 testing is positive and there are mild or no symptoms), maladaptive immune responses may still be at play, predisposing infected patients to opportunistic infections, as in this patient, or potentially trigger underlying and previously indolent ailments [ 10 ]. While we still strongly recommend vaccination, social distancing, handwashing, and using facemasks, we would like to point out that even the seemingly unaffected may be at increased risk of other infectious diseases, whether or not they have previously documented underlying immune suppression or vaccination [ 19 ].…”

A Case Reflecting the Impact of a Deferred Transesophageal Echocardiogram on a COVID-19 Disease Patient

“…COVID-19 disease has seen an advancement in vaccine science and the development of mRNA vaccines, including the Moderna, Pfizer, and AstraZeneca vaccines [12]. The global impact has subsided, and although COVID-19 remains of high public health importance, much of the stigma surrounding the virus has been elucidated [13,14].…”

Cryptococcemia in pancreas-kidney transplant patient

“…Cryptococcosis is an opportunistic IFI caused by encapsulated yeast, Cryptococcus neoformans , and Cryptococcus gattii . Cryptococcosis is the third most common IFI after Candida and Aspergillus in SOT recipients [ 2 ], with a reported incidence of 0.3%–5.0%, and overall mortality rate of 33%–42% [ 3 , 4 ].…”