Cryptococcemia due to Cryptococcus albidus.

Abstract

We have described a patient with cryptococcemia due to Cryptococcus albidus. Although usually nonpathogenic, C albidus and other non-neoformans cryptococcal species may occasionally be the causative agents in severe infections in man. The latex agglutination test for cryptococcal polysaccharide capsular antigen appears to be specific for C neoformans and thus may be falsely negative in serious infections caused by non-neoformans cryptococci, as seen in our patient with C albidus fungemia. Severe infections caused by C albidus appear to respond to treatment with amphotericin B with or without 5-fluorocytosine but so few cases are available for analysis that no firm conclusions can be made in this regard at present.

• Authors: J L Gluck, J P Myers, L M Pass
• Journal: Southern medical journal (South Med J) Vol. 80 Issue 4 Pg. 511-3 (Apr 1987) ISSN: 0038-4348 [Print] United States
• PMID: 3470948 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Aged
• Cryptococcosis (complications, diagnosis, microbiology)
• False Negative Reactions
• Female
• Humans
• Latex Fixation Tests
• Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute (complications)
• Sepsis (complications, diagnosis, microbiology)