Cutaneous cryptococcosis: an underlying immunosuppression? Clinical manifestations, pathogenesis, diagnostic examinations and treatment

Abstract

Due to constantly growing population of immunocompromised patients the fungi became a widespread threat to modern medicine. HIV carriers, solid organ transplant recipients constitute most of those patients. Cryptococcosis is a frequent cause of life-threatening infections, affecting mostly immunosuppressed patients. This article presents current knowledge on cryptococcal infections, including epidemiology, clinical aspects, diagnosis and recommended treatment. In reference to our patient, who developed a disseminated and fulminant subtype of the disease, we wanted to underline the need to examine patients thoroughly. The highest aim of those measures would be to avoid lethal consequences.

Non-healing cutaneous ulcer as the initial presentation of disseminated cryptococcosis

“…The usual mode of entry into the body is by aerosol inhalation and the primary disease is usually pulmonary. 3 Less commonly it can invade the skin through trauma and contact with avian excreta and result in primary cutaneous cryptococcosis. 1 Skin lesions in cutaneous cryptococcosis are cysts, acneiform papules, pustules, nodules, molluscum contagiosum like umbilicated lesions and necrotizing fasciitis.…”

Cutaneous Cryptococcosis Manifested as a Large Cystic Mass: A Rare Manifestation of Cryptococcus Infection

“…Humans can get the infection by inhaling pigeon excreta, soil, dropping, or even fruits, which may harbor cryptococcus fungus. It can cause localized cutaneous and systemic fungal infection [2]. Cutaneous cryptococcus infection results either from localized invasion through an open wound or as a manifestation of systemic disseminated infection [3].…”