Early-onset of disseminated cryptococcal infection in two renal transplant recipients

Clin Nephrol. 2011 Jun;75(6):542-6. doi: 10.5414/cn106772.

Abstract

Cryptococcosis is the third most common invasive fungal infection in organ transplant recipients after candidiasis and aspergillosis. Newly acquired and reactivation of latent infection are the major causes of infection, with typical later-onset and mainly as disseminated infection. The type and intensity of immunosuppression, diabetes mellitus and other co-morbidities as well as uremia seem to be important determinants on clinical presentation and outcome. Moreover, the diagnosis is not always apparent since it usually presents subacutely, as well as mimicking bacterial infections, which may be responsible for a delay in the diagnosis. Thus, a high degree of suspicion and need of invasive procedures for microbiological and histological evaluation are critical for definitive diagnosis and prompt institution of adequate treatment. We report two cases of disseminated cryptococcosis with different presentations and with an early-onset after renal transplantation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cryptococcosis / diagnosis
  • Cryptococcosis / drug therapy
  • Cryptococcosis / etiology*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Humans
  • Kidney Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents