Capsule-Deficient Cryptococcal Meningitis: A Diagnostic Conundrum

J Glob Infect Dis. 2022 Nov 15;14(4):165-169. doi: 10.4103/jgid.jgid_255_21. eCollection 2022 Oct-Dec.

Abstract

Cryptococcosis is a serious systemic mycosis. Its incidence has escalated in the past four decades. Cryptococcus neoformans causes localized or disseminated infection in immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients. The capsulated form is commonly encountered which can be diagnosed on an India ink preparation or antigen detection. However, the noncapsulated forms are very rare and require a high index of suspicion for correct diagnosis. Herein, we present a case of cryptococcal meningitis due to a noncapsulated strain in an apparently immunocompetent patient with no proven immunodeficiencies along with review of world literature. Such cases are a diagnostic challenge for the clinician as well as microbiologist.

Keywords: Antigen; Cryptococcus; capsule deficient; culture; diagnosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports