Disseminated cryptococcosis in an HIV-negative patient

Trop Doct. 2009 Apr;39(2):114-5. doi: 10.1258/td.2008.080249.

Abstract

A young, unmarried, immunocompetent female presented with complaints of fever and altered sensorium, along with lesions over the face and trunk. A provisional diagnosis of disseminated herpes simplex with giant molluscum contagiosum was made. However, cutaneous biopsy of the lesions showed numerous cryptococcal organisms which stained positive to periodic acid-Schiff. This case is reported to sensitise physicians to keep cryptococcosis as a differential diagnosis in such types of skin lesions, as the lesions resemble that of molluscum contagiosum very closely.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cryptococcosis / microbiology
  • Cryptococcosis / pathology*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • HIV Seronegativity*
  • Humans