Meningeal cryptococcosis and SARS-CoV-2 infection in people living with HIV/AIDS / Criptococosis meníngea e infección por SARS-CoV-2 en personas con VIH/SIDA

Introduction. Fungal infections in patients with COVID-19 was one of the most debated topics during the pandemic. Objectives. To analyze the clinical characteristics and evolution of people living with HIV/ AIDS and coinfection with cryptococcus and COVID-19 (group A) or without it (group B). Materials and methods. This is an analytical and retrospective study. We reviewed medical records of patients with meningeal cryptococcosis between April 2020 and May 2021. Results. We studied 65 people living with HIV/AIDS and with cryptococcosis infection diagnosed from April 2020 to May 2021. Fifteen patients with HIV/AIDS suffered from cryptococcosis and COVID-19, and out of these, 14 presented meningitis (group A), while 28 suffered from meningeal cryptococcosis, but did not have COVID-19 (group B). Conclusions. No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups (A and B) considering: intracranial hypertension, presence of Cryptococcus antigens in cerebrospinal fluid, sensorium deterioration or mortality. The detection of Cryptococcus antigens in serum by lateral flow assay was highly effective to rapidly diagnose cryptococcosis in patients with HIV/AIDS who also developed COVID-19. Patients of both groups consulted for cryptoccocosis sometime after, in comparison with the pre-pandemic cases related to this infection.

Introducción. Las infecciones fúngicas en pacientes con COVID-19 fue uno de los temas más debatidos durante la pandemia. Objetivo. Analizar las características clínicas y la evolución de personas con VIH/SIDA que presentaron la asociación de criptococosis meníngea y COVID-19 (grupo A), y compararlas con aquellas personas con VIH/SIDA que padecieron criptococosis meníngea, pero sin infección de COVID-19 (grupo B). Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un estudio analítico y retrospectivo en el que se revisaron las historias clínicas de pacientes que padecieron criptococosis meníngea entre abril de 2020 y mayo de 2021. Resultados. Se estudiaron 65 pacientes con HIV/SIDA y con criptococosis, diagnosticados entre abril de 2020 y mayo de 2021 (63 habían desarrollado sida y 2 eran negativos para VIH). De estos, 15 de los pacientes con sida padecían criptococosis y COVID-19, y 14 presentaban meningitis (grupo A), mientras que 28 pacientes padecieron criptococosis meníngea, pero no tuvieron COVID-19 (grupo B). Conclusiones. No se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas, entre los dos grupos, respecto a la hipertensión intracraneal, la presencia de antígenos de criptoccoco en líquido cefalorraquídeo, el deterioro del sensorio o la mortalidad. La detección de antígenos de Cryptococcus en suero por ensayo de flujo lateral fue efectiva para diagnosticar rápidamente criptococosis en personas con VIH/sida y con infección de COVID-19. Se observó que los pacientes de ambos grupos consultaron tarde por criptococosis en comparación con los casos prepandémicos de esta infección.

Recomendaciones para el diagnóstico y tratamiento de la infección por Cryptococcus spp / Recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of infection by Cryptococcus spp

Las infecciones por levaduras del género Cryptococcus pueden causar un abanico amplio de manifestaciones clínicas, dependiendo de si se trata de una infección invasora o no. Los pacientes susceptibles, especialmente de las formas invasoras, comparten el compromiso de la inmunidad celular, ya sea por afecciones primarias o secundarias. El grupo más estudiado es el de personas que viven con VIH. La mortalidad es alta, especialmente en entornos de recursos reducidos. El esquema de tratamiento es en fases, inicialmente combinado, para luego continuar con monoterapia por un periodo prolongado, dependiendo de la duración del factor de riesgo subyacente. Hacemos una revisión de la evidencia y recomendaciones actualizadas.

Infection by yeast of the Cryptococcus genus can cause a wide range of clinical manifestations, depending on whether it is an invasive infection or not. Susceptible patients, especially those with invasive forms, share the compromise of cellular immunity, either due to primary or secondary conditions. The most studied group is that of people living with HIV. Mortality is high, especially in resource-poor settings. The treatment scheme is in phases, initially combined, to then continue with monotherapy for a prolonged period, depending on the duration of the underlying risk factor. We review the evidence and update recommendations.

Co-infection with cryptococcal meningitis and Japanese encephalitis in an immunocompetent patient: A case report

@#Cryptococcal meningitis is a severe infection in both immunocompetent and immunosuppressed hosts. This report is an unusual case of co-infection with cryptococcal meningitis and Japanese encephalitis in a seronegative human immunodeficiency virus patient. A 51-year-old human immunodeficiency virus-negative patient presented with high-grade fever, nausea, vomiting, and later on, behavioral changes. A lumbar puncture was performed and cerebrospinal fluid revealed the presence of Cryptococcus and Japanese encephalitis virus. Treatment commenced with intravenous amphotericin B and flucytosine. Her condition initially improved but later on deteriorated due to bacteremia (MRSA-mecA gene positive) and septic shock which resulted in the patient’s demise. The occurrence of this co-infection in the absence of HIV infection is rare and there was no documented case up to this date.

A case of HIV negative cryptococcal meningitis with antiphospholipid syndrome / 中南大学学报(医学版)

Cryptococcal meningitis has become the largest cause for the death of infectious diseases in the central nervous system infectious disease worldwide. Most patients with cryptococcal meningitis have AIDS, autoimmune diseases, hematologic malignancies, and some other relevant diseases. It is mainly caused by infection with

Comparison of two commercial tests (Immy vs. Dynamiker) for cryptococcal capsular antigen

Abstract INTRODUCTION Lateral flow assay is an advanced method useful in the early diagnosis of cryptococcal meningitis. We aimed to compare two commercial tests for cryptococcal capsular antigen in the sera of asymptomatic patients with human immunodeficiency virus in Barranquilla, Colombia. METHODS Thawed (n=162) previously collected serums (2016-2019) were processed using IMMY and Dynamiker cryptococcal antigen lateral flow assay. RESULTS Compared to IMMY's results, Dynamiker's sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and kappa index were 100%, 89.9%, 48.3%, 100.0%, and 0.61, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The Dynamiker test had excellent sensitivity, acceptable specificity, and a low detection threshold for cryptococcal antigen in the tested samples.

Achados Epidemiológicos de Neurocriptococose em Pacientes Imunocompetentes: Relato de Casos de um Hospital Público de Joinville, Brasil / Epidemiological Findings of Neurocriptococcosis in Immunocompetent Patients: Case Reports from a Public Hospital in Joinville, Brazil / Hallazgos epidemiológicos de la neurocriptococosis en pacientes inmunocompetentes: relato de casos de un hospital público en Joinville, Brasil

Justificativa e Objetivos: Neurocriptococose é uma doença fúngica que acomete principalmente pacientes imunocomprometidos. Casos em pacientes imunocompetentes têm sido descritos em alguns relatos de casos; no entanto, por não ser uma doença de notificação compulsória no Brasil até 2020, ainda pouco se sabe sobre sua epidemiologia no sul do país. O presente estudo teve como objetivo descrever aspectos epidemiológicos relacionados à doença em pacientes supostamente imunocompetentes. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo, observacional, baseado em uma série de casos atendidos entre 2018 e 2019, em um hospital público de Joinville, Santa Catarina, Brasil. Pacientes com diagnóstico clínico confirmado pela presença do fungo do gênero Cryptococcus spp. no líquido cefalorraquidiano pelo método tinta da China foram avaliados quanto aos aspectos clínicos, tratamento e complicações durante o período de internação. Resultados: Houve dois pacientes em 2018 e seis pacientes em 2019 com diagnóstico confirmado. Todos sem fatores aparentes para imunocomprometimento e sem fator de risco ambiental evidente. A maioria eram homens com média de idade de 39 anos. Febre e confusão mental foram os achados mais comuns na apresentação. A variante C. neoformans foi encontrada em 75% dos casos. Todos receberam Anfotericina B, no mínimo, durante 13 dias, associado ou não a Fluconazol. Seis pacientes apresentaram nefrotoxicidade pela Anfotericina B, dois evoluíram para óbito intra-hospitalar e dois permaneceram com sequelas neurológicas. Conclusão: A mortalidade e as complicações relacionadas ao tratamento da neurocriptococose em pessoas imunocompetentes foram altas na amostra estudada. A recente inclusão da doença como uma patologia de notificação compulsória poderá aprimorar dados epidemiológicos para o melhor entendimento e a prevenção dessa doença.(AU)

Background and Objectives: Neurocryptococcosis is a fungal disease that affects mainly immunocompromised patients. Cases in immunocompetent patients have been described in some case reports. However, as its reporting was not mandatory in Brazil until 2020, little is known about its epidemiology in the South Region of the country. The present study had the objective of describing epidemiological aspects related to the disease in presumably immunocompetent patients. Methods: A retrospective and observational study was developed, based on cases of patients who received care in a public hospital in Joinville, Santa Catarina, Brazil, between 2018 and 2019. Patients with a clinical diagnosis confirmed by the presence of the fungus Cryptococcus spp. in cerebrospinal fluid by means of the Chinese ink staining were evaluated regarding clinical aspects, treatment, and complications during hospitalization. Results: The diagnosis of the disease was confirmed for two patients in 2018 and six patients in 2019. All of them showed no apparent factors for immunodeficiency and no evident environmental risk factors. Most were men with an average age of 39 years. Fever and mental confusion were the most common symptoms at admission. The variant C. neoformans was found in 75% of the cases. All patients received amphotericin B for at least 13 days with or without combined fluconazole. Six patients had nephrotoxicity due to amphotericin B, two evolved to in-hospital death, and two had neurological sequelae. Conclusion: Mortality and complications related to the treatment of neurocryptococcosis in immunocompetent people showed high rates in the studied sample. The recent inclusion of this disease as a mandatory reporting pathology can improve epidemiological data, which will be used to achieve better understanding and prevention of this problem.(AU)

Justificación y Objetivos: La neurocriptococosis es una enfermedad fúngica que afecta especialmente a pacientes inmunocomprometidos. Fueron citados casos en pacientes inmunocompetentes en algunos relatos. Por no considerársela de notificación obligatoria en Brasil hasta 2020, poco se sabe aún sobre su epidemiología en el sur del país. El estudio objetivó describir aspectos epidemiológicos relativos a la enfermedad en pacientes supuestamente inmunocompetentes. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo, observacional, en base a una serie de casos atendidos entre 2018 y 2019 en un hospital público de Joinville, Santa Catarina. Pacientes con diagnóstico clínico confirmado por presencia de Cryptococcus spp., utilizándose el método de tinta china en líquido cefalorraquídeo fueron evaluados respecto de aspectos clínicos, tratamiento y complicaciones durante su internación. Resultados: Hubo 2 pacientes en 2018 y 6 en 2019 con diagnóstico confirmado, todos sin factores aparentes de inmunocompromiso y sin factor de riesgo ambiental evidente. Mayoría de hombre, media etaria de 39 años. Fueron hallazgos comunes en su presentación la fiebre y confusión mental. La variante C. neoformans fue hallada en 75% de los casos. Todos recibieron anfotericina B como mínimo durante 13 días, en asociación o no con fluconazol. Seis pacientes presentaron nefrotoxicidad por anfotericina B, dos sufrieron fallecimiento intrahospitalario, y dos resultaron con secuelas neurológicas. Conclusión: La mortalidad y las complicaciones relativas al tratamiento de la neurocriptococosis en inmunocompetentes fueron altas en la muestra estudiada. La inclusión de la enfermedad como patología de notificación obligatoria podrá mejorar los datos epidemiológicos para entender mejor y prevenir la enfermedad.(AU)

Production of a latex agglutination reagent for the rapid diagnosis of cryptococcal meningitis / Producción de un reactivo de látex para el diagnóstico rápido de criptococosismeníngea

Abstract Cryptococcosis is a fungal disease affecting more than one million people per yearworldwide. Its main etiological agents are Cryptococcus neoformans species complex and Cryp-tococcus gattii species complex. Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is considered an AIDS-definingcondition. Rapid diagnosis by cryptococcal antigen assays, either the latex agglutination test(LA) or the lateral flow assay, is key to decreasing mortality due to cryptococcal disease. Theaim of the study was to develop a latex agglutination reagent (LA-ANLIS) for the rapid and reliable diagnosis of cryptococcosis in Argentina. This reagent will be produced in order to supplythe NMLN (National Mycology Laboratory Network). The evaluation of LA-ANLIS performanceand its comparison with the Cryptococcus Antigen Latex Agglutination Test System (LA-IMMY)(Immuno-Mycologics, Inc., USA) were conducted in 94 samples of cerebrospinal fluid. LA-ANLISand LA-IMMY compared exhibited 100% positive agreement and 97% negative agreement. LA-ANLIS showed 94% sensitivity and 97% specificity with the positive and negative predictivevalues of 94% and 97%, respectively. The LA-ANLIS is a reliable, reproducible and cost-effectivereagent, especially useful in countries where the commercial kit is not generally available andmust be obtained at a high cost. National production of reagents is the best choice for a reliableaccess to the rapid diagnosis of CM in Argentina.

Resumen La criptococosis es una enfermedad fúngica que afecta a más de un millón de personas por año en todo el mundo. Los principales agentes etiológicos pertenecen a los complejos de especies Cryptococcus neoformans y Cryptococcus gattii. La criptococosis meníngea (CM) se considera una enfermedad marcadora de sida. El diagnóstico rápido de esta enfermedad a través de la detección del antígeno de Cryptococcus, ya sea por aglutinación en partículas de látex o por inmunocromatografía, es clave para disminuir la mortalidad. El objetivo del presente estudio fue desarrollar un reactivo de aglutinación en partículas de látex para el diagnóstico rápido y certero de la CM en Argentina. Este reactivo (denominado en adelante LA-ANLIS) será producido para abastecer a la Red Nacional de Laboratorios de Micología. Se evaluó el desempeno del reactivo LA-ANLIS, y se realizó una comparación con el reactivo comercial Immuno-Mycologics, Inc. (en adelante, LA-IMMY) utilizando 94 muestras de líquido cefalorraquídeo. Hubo un 100% de acuerdo positivo y un 97% de acuerdo negativo entre los resultados obtenidos con los reactivos LA-ANLIS y LA-IMMY. El reactivo LA-ANLIS mostró una sensibilidad del 94% y una especificidad del 97%; los valores predictivos positivo y negativo fueron del 94 y del 97%, respectivamente. Se concluye que el LA-ANLIS es un reactivo confiable y rentable, que arroja resultados reproducibles, por lo que es especialmente útil en países donde los reactivos comerciales generalmente no están disponibles o sus costos son elevados. La producción nacional de reactivos es la mejor opción para asegurar el acceso de todos los hospitales al diagnóstico rápido de la CM en Argentina.

Visible DNA microarray and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for the identification of Cryptococcus species recovered from culture medium and cerebrospinal fluid of patients with meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis affects normal hosts and immunocompromised patients exhibiting high mortality rates. The objective of this study was to design two molecular assays, visible microarray platforms and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), to identify Cryptococcus spp. and the species neoformans and gattii from the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF). To identify Cryptococcus and the two species, we designed two microarrays DNA platforms based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and CAP59 gene and LAMP assays specific for Cryptococcus species. The assays were tested using CSF from patients with cryptococcal meningitis. CSF from patients with cryptococcal meningitis was cultured in Sabouraud culture medium, and the Cryptococcus spp. grown in the culture medium were also tested for LAMP and microarray platforms. The results were compared to DNA sequencing of the same genetic regions. A total of 133 CSF samples were studied. Eleven CSFs were positive for Cryptococcus (9 C. neoformans and 2 C. gattii), 15 were positive for bacteria, and 107 were negative. The CAP59 platform correctly identified 73% of the CSF samples, while the ITS platform identified 45.5%. CAP59 platform correctly identified 100% of the Cryptococcus isolates, and ITS platform identified 70%. The two sets of LAMP primers correctly identified 100% of the Cryptococcus isolates. However, for CSF samples, the amplification occurred only in 55.5% of C. neoformans. The methodologies were reliable in the identification of Cryptococcus species, mainly for isolates from culture medium, and they might be applied as adjunctive tests to identify Cryptococcus species.

Minimum concentration of Amphotericin B in serum according to the formulation, dose, and daily or prolonged intermittent therapeutic regimen

Abstract INTRODUCTION: The therapeutic efficacy of daily amphotericin B infusion is related to its maximum concentration in blood; however, trough levels may be useful in intermittent regimens of this antifungal drug. METHODS : High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to determine the minimum concentration (Cmin) of amphotericin B in the serum of patients receiving deoxycholate (D-Amph) or liposomal amphotericin B (L-AmB) for the treatment of cryptococcal meningitis (n=28), histoplasmosis (n=8), paracoccidioidomycosis (n=1), and leishmaniasis (n=1). RESULTS: Daily use of D-Amph 30 to 50 mg or L-AmB 50 mg resulted in a similar Cmin, but a significant increase ocurred with L-AmB 100 mg/day. The geometric mean Cmin tended to decrease with a reduction in the dose and frequency of intermittent L-AmB infusions: 357 ng/mL (100 mg 4 to 5 times/week) > 263 ng/mL (50 mg 4 to 5 times/week) > 227 ng/mL (50 mg 1 to 3 times/week). The impact on Cmin was variable in patients whose dose or therapeutic scheme was changed, especially when administered the intermittent infusion of amphotericin B. The mean Cmin for each L-AmB schedule of intermittent therapy was equal or higher than the minimum inhibitory concentration of amphotericin B against Cryptococcus isolates from 10/12 patients. The Cmin of amphotericin B in patients with cryptococcal meningitis was comparable between those that survived or died. CONCLUSIONS: By evaluating the Cmin of amphotericin B, we demonstrated the therapeutic potential of its intermittent use including in the consolidation phase of neurocryptococcosis treatment, despite the great variability in serum levels among patients.

Pseudohemorragia subaracnoidea. Presentación de un caso / Pseudo-subarachnoid Hemorrhage. A Case Report

La pseudohemorragia subaracnoidea es un fenómeno infrecuente que se caracteriza por hallazgos sugestivos de hemorragia subaracnoidea en la tomografía computarizada simple de cráneo, sin evidencia de la misma en estudios adicionales. Se ha asociado a múltiples causas, de las cuales la principal es la encefalopatía hipóxico-isquémica posparo cardiaco y reanimación cardiopulmonar. El contexto clínico y los niveles de atenuación medidos en Unidades Hounsfield (UH) se deben tener en cuenta al hacer el diagnóstico diferencial entre ambas entidades. Se presenta el caso de una paciente con pseudohemorragia subaracnoidea de etiología multifactorial.

Pseudo-subarachnoid hemorrhage (PSAH) is an infrequent entity characterized by findings in non- contrast head computed tomography that mimic subarachnoid hemorrhage, but without evidence of blood products in further studies. It has been associated with multiple etiologies, with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy following cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation as the leading cause in literature. Clinical context and attenuation levels measured in Hounsfield Units should be taken into consideration when establishing the differential diagnosis between these entities. The case of a patient with PSAH of multifactorial etiology is presented.

Asymptomatic cryptococcal antigenemia in HIV-infected patients: a review of recent studies / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

The prevalence of asymptomatic cryptococcal antigenemia (ACA) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected individuals has been observed to be elevated. The prevalence of ACA ranges from 1.3% to 13%, with different rates of prevalence in various regions of the world. We reviewed studies conducted internationally, and also referred to two established expert consensus guideline documents published in China, and we have concluded that Chinese HIV-infected patients should undergo cryptococcal antigen screening when CD4 T-cell counts fall below 200 cells/μL and that the recommended treatment regimen for these patients follow current World Health Organization guidelines, although it is likely that this recommendation may change in the future. Early screening and optimized preemptive treatment for ACA is likely to help decrease the incidence of cryptococcosis, and is lifesaving. Further studies are warranted to explore issues related to the optimal management of ACA.

Clinical features and treatment outcomes of human immunodeficiency virus-associated cryptococcal meningitis: a 2-year retrospective analysis / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is one of the most common opportunistic infections caused by Cryptococcus neoformans in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients, and is complicated with significant morbidity and mortality. This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical features, characteristics, treatment, and outcomes of first-diagnosed HIV-associated CM after 2-years of follow-up.@*METHODS@#Data from all patients (n = 101) of HIV-associated CM hospitalized in Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center from September 2013 to December 2016 were collected and analyzed using logistic regression to identify clinical and microbiological factors associated with mortality.@*RESULTS@#Of the 101 patients, 86/99 (86.9%) of patients had CD4 count <50 cells/mm, 57/101 (56.4%) were diagnosed at ≥14 days from the onset to diagnosis, 42/99 (42.4%) had normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cell counts and biochemical examination, 30/101 (29.7%) had concomitant Pneumocystis (carinii) jiroveci pneumonia (PCP) on admission and 37/92 (40.2%) were complicated with cryptococcal pneumonia, 50/74 (67.6%) had abnormalities shown on intracranial imaging, amongst whom 24/50 (48.0%) had more than one lesion. The median time to negative CSF Indian ink staining was 8.50 months (interquartile range, 3.25-12.00 months). Patients who initiated antiretroviral therapy (ART) before admission had a shorter time to negative CSF Indian ink compared with ART-naïve patients (7 vs. 12 months, χ = 15.53, P < 0.001). All-cause mortality at 2 weeks, 8 weeks, and 2 years was 10.1% (10/99), 18.9% (18/95), and 20.7% (19/92), respectively. Coinfection with PCP on admission (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 3.933; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.166-13.269, P = 0.027) and altered mental status (AOR, 9.574; 95% CI, 2.548-35.974, P = 0.001) were associated with higher mortality at 8 weeks.@*CONCLUSION@#This study described the clinical features and outcomes of first diagnosed HIV-associated CM with 2-year follow-up data. Altered mental status and coinfection with PCP predicted mortality in HIV-associated CM.

Advancement in Diagnosis and Treatment of Elevated Intracranial Pressure in Patients with Cryptococcal Meningitis / 中国医学科学院学报

Cryptococcal meningitis(CM)is often seen in immunocompromised patients and has become a global health concern. Elevated intracranial pressure(ICP)is a common complication of CM and often leads to poor prognosis. Monitoring and management of ICP is an important task in CM patients. Invasive intervention is often needed for the elevated ICP in CM patients due to the pathophysiological features of this condition. This article review the recent progress in the diagnosis and treatment of elevated ICP in CM patients.

Clinical characteristics for connective tissue disease complicated with cryptococcal meningitis / 中南大学学报(医学版)

To investigate the clinical characteristics and prognosis for connective tissue disease (CTD) with cryptococcal meningitis (CM). 
 Methods: Clinical data of 18 patients with CTD complicated with cryptococcal meningitis diagnosed by Rheumatology and Immunology Department, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University from January 2000 to January 2017, were retrospectively analyzed.
 Results: The common symptoms of CTD patients with CM were headache, fever, nausea, and vomiting. Patients with severe clinical manifestations, such as convulsions and disturbance of consciousness, all died. Logistic regression analysis showed that disturbance of consciousness and decreased peripheral blood lymphocyte count might be the related factors of poor prognosis of CTD patients with CM (P<0.05). The mortality rate of CTD with CM was 61.11%, and the effective rate of treatment for this disease was 38.89%.
 Conclusion: CTD patients with cryptococcal meningitis have a high risk of death. Severe clinical symptoms, such as disturbance of consciousness and lower peripheral blood lymphocyte count, are associated with its poor prognosis.

An unusual manifestation of an HIV patient with Fungimea presenting with Cryptococcal Lymphadenitis

Introduction@#Cryptococcus neoformans (C. neoformans) is a fungus which infects the lungs, meninges, skin and the nervous system. In tropical countries prevalent with tuberculosis (TB), initial clinical presentations of a C. neoformans infection can normally be mistaken as a TB infection. The C. neoformans infection shall then form part of the differential diagnosis. Exposure to C. neoformans does not usually manifest as an infection however, in immunocompromised patients this results to cryptococcosis.@*Case@#This is a case of a 33-year-old male who was admitted due to febrile seizures. He was suspected to be in an immunocompromised state due to multiple sexual partners. A non-tender, mobile left cervical lymphadenopathy was subjected to FNAB (fine needle aspiration biopsy) surprisingly came out to be cryptococcal in nature. He was managed as a case of disseminated cryptococossis with meningeal extension. He was given amphotericin B and fluconazole.@*Conclusion@#The most common suspected cause of lymphadenitis in the Philippines is attributed to TB. The high index of suspicion based on sound medical history and physical examination can lead the clinician into considering an uncommon cause of lymphadenopathy most especially in patients with high likelihood of immunocompromised state.

Cryptococcal Meningitis Complicated by a Brain Abscess and an Abdominal Pseudocyst Following Ventriculoperitoneal Shunting / 대한내과학회지

Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt insertion is the standard treatment for hydrocephalus; shunt-associated infection is the most common complication after surgery. However, fungal infections are unusual. We present a case of cryptococcal meningitis complicated by a brain abscess and an infected intra-abdominal pseudocyst that developed 14 weeks after VP shunt insertion to treat hydrocephalus in a 74-year-old patient. Cryptococcal central nervous system (CNS) infection has a high mortality rate; however, diagnosis is challenging. Therefore, prompt diagnosis and treatment are required when a cryptococcal CNS infection is suspected in patients with VP shunts.

Drug development for cryptococcosis treatment: what can patents tell us?

BACKGROUND Cryptococcosis is one of the most devastating fungal infections in humans. Despite the disease's clinical importance, current therapy is based on limited antifungals that are either toxic, inefficient, unavailable worldwide, or that quickly lead to resistance. OBJECTIVES The goal of this study was to provide insight into the future of cryptococcosis treatment by describing the patent scenario in this field. METHODS We identified and analysed patent documents revealing compounds with anti-cryptococcal activity supported by experimental evidence. FINDINGS Patenting in this field has been historically low, with an overall tendency of increase since 2012. Most applications are single filings, suggesting that they do not encompass strategic inventions requiring broad protection. Research and development essentially took place in China and the United States, which also represent the main countries of protection. Both academic and corporate institutions contributed to patenting in this field. Universities are the leading actors, with the highest patent family counts. CONCLUSION The low number of patents in this field indicates that efforts to mitigate the unmet needs for cryptococcosis treatment remain insufficient. Without investment to drive research and innovation, patients will likely continue to face inadequate assistance. Given the current scenario characterised by poor funding and low interest for technological development, drug repurposing may be the best alternative for cryptococcosis treatment.

Epidemiological and TNFα polymorphism evaluation in patients with cryptococcal meningitis treated at a referral hospital in North Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: The present study evaluated the epidemiology of cryptococcal meningitis and TNFα gene polymorphisms in patients at a reference hospital in northern Brazil. METHODS: Samples from 25 patients infected with Cryptococcus spp. were collected to confirm the infection and to analyze the TNFα gene polymorphisms. RESULTS: Cryptococcus neoformans was detected as the predominant etiological agent (100%) in HIV-positive patients. No genetic polymorphic changes were found. CONCLUSIONS: No correlation was observed between the analyzed TNFα polymorphisms and cryptococcal meningitis.

Epidemiología molecular de la criptococosis en un Hospital de enfermedades infecciosas de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires: análisis de 25 años / Molecular epidemiology of cryptococcosis in an infectious diseases hospital from the city of Buenos Aires: A 25 years experience

La criptococosis es una micosis grave de distribución universal, que afecta principalmente a huéspedes inmunocomprometidos. Es una de las principales causas de morbilidad y mortalidad en los pacientes infectados con el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (HIV). Provoca al menos 620 000 muertes al año, representando entre el 13% al 44% de la mortalidad en pacientes HIV positivos según datos de cohortes correspondientes a países en desarrollo. (1, 2) La letalidad de la criptococosis meníngea en estudios de Argentina y Brasil muestra valores que van desde el 26% hasta el 63%. El complejo Cryptococcus neoformans/ Cryptococcus gattii, es el responsable de esta enfermedad. Existen alrededor de 70 especies pero solo dos de ellas son patógenas para el hombre: C. neoformans y C. gattii. Se reconocen 8 genotipos de este complejo, C. neoformans: VNI y VNII (C. neoformans var. grubii), VNIII (C. neoformans híbrido intervariedad AD), VNIV (C. neoformans var. neoformans) y C. gattii: genotipos VGI, VGII, VGIII y VGIV. Se han descripto híbridos interespecie VNIV/VGI, VNI/VGI, VNI/VGII. Se estudiaron 207 aislamientos de Cryptococcus, elegidos aleatoriamente, de un total de 2593 pacientes con diagnóstico de criptococosis diseminada. A los mismos se les realizó la genotipificación mediante una PCR-RFLP del gen URA5, y posterior digestión enzimática con enzimas Sau96I y HhaI. De las 207 cepas estudiadas, 174 fueron VNI (84,05%), 14 VNII (6,76%), 10 VNIII (4,83%), 2 VNIV (0,97%), 3 VGI (1,45%), 3 VGII de (1,45%) y 1 VGIII (0,49%).

Cryptococcosis is a severe worldwide mycosis, which mainly affects immunocompromised hosts and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in HIV-infected patients. It causes 620,000 annual deaths, accounting for 13-44 % of mortality in HIV-positive individuals in developing countries. Mortality rates of meningeal cryptococcosis in studies from Argentina and Brazil go from 26 to 63 %. Cryptococcus neoformans/Cryptococcus gattii is the species complex responsible for this disease. There are about 70 species, however, only two are human pathogens: C. neoformans and C. gattii. C. neoformans genotypes are VNI and VNII (C. neoformans var. grubii), VNIII (C. neoformans intervariety hybrid AD), VNIV (C. neoformans var. neoformans). C. gattii genotypes are VGI, VGII, VGIII and VGIV. Interspecies hybrids were described: VNIV/VGI, VNI/VGI, VNI/ VGII. A total of 207 Cryptococcus isolates were randomly selected from 2593 patients with diagnosis of disseminated cryptococcosis. Genotyping was performed by PCRRFLP of UR A5 gene with restriction enzyme digestion using Sau96I and HhaI enzymes. Among the 207 studied isolates, 174 resulted VNI (84.05%), 14 VNII (6.76%), 10 VNIII (4.83%), 2 VNIV (0.97%), 3 VGI (1.45%), 3 VGII (1.45%) and 1 VGIII (0.49%).