[Cryptococcal meningitis in an immunocompetent patient - a case report].

Abstract

Cryptococcal meningitis is a severe neurological infection caused by the yeast Cryptococcus neoformans. It often occurs as an opportunistic infection; rarely, it may be seen in healthy people as well. The most common source of the infection is inhalation of infected bird droppings. The cryptococci may persist in the lungs and nearby lymph nodes for a long time. There are no or mild clinical manifestations of the pulmonary infection. The disease often manifests only after the cryptococci penetrate into the CNS. The case report documents the development of cryptococcal meningitis in an immunocompetent patient. It was diagnosed by microscopic detection of the yeast in the cerebrospinal fluid. The finding was confirmed by detecting cryptococcal DNA in the cerebrospinal fluid and culture. Despite immediate initiation of antifungal therapy and intensive care, the patient died.