Cryptococcosis with Pulmonary Cavitation in an Immunocompetent Child: a Case Report and Literature Review

Overview

Journal BMC Infect Dis

Publisher Biomed Central

Specialty Infectious Diseases

Date 2024 Feb 6

PMID 38321369

Authors

Qiaoyan Dai

Yingshuo Wang

Qianqian Ying

Qidong Ye

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Pulmonary cryptococcosis (PC) rarely occurs in immunocompetent children.

Case Presentation: A 13-year-old boy was admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University in February 2023 with complaints of cough and chest pain. Physical examination showed slightly moist rales in the right lung. Chest computed tomography (CT) suggested a lung lesion and cavitation. Blood routine test, lymphocyte subsets, immunoglobulin, and complement tests indicated that the immune system was normal. However, the serum cryptococcal antigen test was positive. Next-generation sequencing revealed Cryptococcus infection. The child was diagnosed with PC and was discharged after treating with fluconazole 400 mg. Four months later, chest CT showed that the lung lesion diminished, and reexamination of serum cryptococcal antigen test turned positive.

Conclusion: PC should be considered in an immunocompetent child with pulmonary cavities with nonspecific symptoms.

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