Evaluation of cryptococcus laurentii meningitis in a patient with HIV infection: a case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Cryptococcus neoformans is the most common cryptococci causing infection in humans. Non-neoformans cryptococci have generally been regarded as saprophytes and rarely reported as human pathogens. We report a probable case of Cryptococcus laurentii meningitis in a HIV-infected patient and reviewed the literature on risk factors and treatment of this infection in humans. This patient was successfully treated with amphotericin B followed by fluconazole. Awareness of the emerging antifungal-resistant C. laurentii strains, as reported in the literature, should be emphasized, especially in immunocompromised patients.