Beyond the usual suspects - disseminated cryptococcosis presenting as molluscoid skin lesions: A case report

Background

Cryptococcosis is an infection caused by Cryptococcus species, an invasive fungus. The fungus is transmitted through the inhalation of spores, and causes opportunistic infection that affects the central nervous system, lungs, and skin. Soil, fruits, wood, and bird excreta commonly harbor the fungus. Two cryptococcal species are known to cause infection in humans. Cryptococcus neoformans is known to affect immunocompromised individuals, whereas C. gattii develops disease in immunocompetent individuals. CASE SUMMARY We report a case of disseminated cryptococcosis presenting as molluscoid skin lesions, followed by meningo-encephalitis.

Conclusion

Collaboration and communication among interdisciplinary teams is essential in the diagnosis of cryptococcosis. Any nonhealing skin lesion should be biopsied for histopathology. Although cryptococcosis is known to have a high case fatality ratio, in our patient, histopathological examination of skin lesions prompted the timely initiation of therapy, and hence, a favorable outcome was achieved.