Cryptococcal infection in haematologic malignancies and haematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Abstract

This review summarises both the recent and relevant studies about cryptococcal infections in haematologic malignancies and haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Although uncommon in this patient population, this infection carries a high mortality, especially if left untreated. Given the limited data, we draw some conclusions with respect to management from the solid organ transplantation and HIV-infected literature. Herein, we discuss cryptococcosis with a particular attention to its background, epidemiology, risk factors, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment and prevention in this group.

Keywords: Cryptococcus neoformans; Cryptococcosis; amphotericin B; fluconazole; immune reconstitution.