Meningoencefalitis por Cryptococcus neoformans en adolescente con desnutrición / Cryptococcus neoformans meningoencephalitis in a malnourished teenager

RESUMEN

La criptococosis es una micosis causada por dos hongos levaduriformes encapsulados del género Cryptoccoccus, ingresa al organismo por vía inhalatoria con diseminación al sistema nervioso central, su prevalencia es mayor en inmunodeprimidos por VIH SIDA. Presentamos el caso de un paciente masculino de 13 años de edad, VIH negativo, de la etnia Lenca, procedente de zona rural de Honduras, con historia de contacto prolongado con heces de paloma (Columba livia), quien se presentó con síndrome de hipertensión endocraneana. Tinta china de líquido cefalorraquídeo reportó levaduras encapsuladas compatibles con Cryptococcus neoformans spp confirmado por cultivo. Su único antecedente de inmunosupresión fue la desnutrición. Tuvo evolución favorable con la terapia combinada anfotericina b y fluconazol

ABSTRACT

Cryptococcosis is a fungal infection caused by two encapsulated yeasts of the genus Cryptoccoccus. The microorganism enters the body through inhalation and it disseminates to the central nervous system. Its prevalence is higher in immunocompromised patients, especially those with HIV-AIDS. We report the case of a 13-year old male patient, negative for HIV infection, who belongs to the Lenca ethnic group, from a rural area in Honduras and a positive history of contact with pigeon feces (Columba livia). The patient presented with intracranial hypertension syndrome. An India-ink examination of his cerebrospinal fluid revealed encapsulated yeasts compatible with Cryptococcus neoformans spp., confirmed by culture. The presentation of this case is important because of being a pediatric HIV negative patient, whose only previous immunosuppression was malnutrition. Additionally, he had a history of contact with pigeon feces, resulting in risk factors for developing the disease. We should also take into account the imp ortance of the epidemiological correlation in order to achieve an early diagnosis and an adequate response to therapy. In this case, the combined therapy with fluconazole and amphotericin, led to a favorable outcome: