Disseminated cryptococcosis presenting as molluscum-like lesions in three male patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

ABSTRACT

Cryptococcosis is an opportunistic infection caused by a ubiquitous encapsulated yeast, Cryptococcus neoformans. The pulmonary infection is primary site and most frequently self-limited and may be asymptomatic. The most common recognized site of disseminated cryptococcosis is the central nervous system. The cutaneous cryptococcosis is rare and nonspecific. More recently, in patients with AIDS, some cases of cutaneous cryptococcosis resembling molluscum contagiosum have been described and occasionally appeared before systemic signs and symptoms. To our knowledge, this has not previously been reported in Thailand. This is a report of 3 males with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome who developed disseminated cryptococcosis with cutaneous lesions resembling molluscum contagiosum. Skin findings in disseminated cryptococcosis indicate a poor prognosis, however, earlier recognition and treatment would improve survival.