Cryptococcal meningitis post-covid-19 infection: Immunomodulation, a double-edged sword

J Infect Dev Ctries. 2023 May 31;17(5):623-630. doi: 10.3855/jidc.17170.

Abstract

Cryptococcal meningitis is an opportunistic infection associated with altered immunity. Immunomodulatory agent use in severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may predispose such infections. Here, we present a 75-year-old male patient who presented with fever and altered general status after severe COVID-19 infection and developed cryptococcal meningitis. Opportunistic infection may arise from the use of immunomodulation in severe COVID-19, especially in the elderly population. This article describes the case and extensively reviews cryptococcal disease post-COVID-19 literature, highlighting the risk from immunosuppressive treatment.

Keywords: COVID-19; cryptococcus; immunomodulation; meningitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • COVID-19*
  • Cryptococcus neoformans*
  • Humans
  • Immunomodulation
  • Male
  • Meningitis, Cryptococcal* / diagnosis
  • Meningitis, Cryptococcal* / drug therapy
  • Meningitis, Cryptococcal* / epidemiology
  • Opportunistic Infections*