Detection of Cryptococcus neoformans in faecal matter: a novel presentation of disseminated cryptococcosis

Autores: Bava de Soto Amadeo Javier, Troncoso Alcides

Fragmento

Cryptococcosis is a fungal infection caused by Cryptococcus neoformans which primarily affects the central nervous system (CNS) and lungs. People with weakened immune systems, such as those suffering from AIDS, are generally more susceptible to this kind of infection. Due to the predominant location of the disease in the CNS, an accurate diagnosis can be made by means of a microscopic examination using cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), allowing the round yeasts to be visualized more distinctly as well as permitting the isolation of the causative agent, C. neoformans. Because of the wide spread of C. neoformans, the mycological study of other clinical samples, such as blood, bone marrow, scraping of skin lesions, respiratory secretions, or urine can also test positive for the infection. The determination of the antigen polysaccharide capsular of C. neoformans can be performed in different biological fluids, increasing precision and effectiveness when diagnosing the disease. Detailed in this case report is an unusual case of cryptococcosis found in a patient with AIDS, diagnosed from a stool sample sent to our laboratory for parasitological study. A 30-year-old man visited the Francisco J Muñiz Hospital for Infectious Diseases suffering from diarrhoea and a weight loss of 48 pounds over a period of two months.

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2010-01-12   |   1,877 visitas   |   2 valoraciones

Vol. 3 Núm.7. Agosto 2009 Pags. 572-574. J Infect Developing Countries 2009; 3(7)