[Cryptococcosis: case reports, epidemiology and treatment options]

Abstract

Cryptococcosis is a fungal infection that is usually caused by Cryptococcus neoformans. Given the decreasing number of cases in HIV-infected patients in developed countries, infections in other patient populations, such as solid organ transplant recipients, patients with chronic organ diseases or even patients without immunodeficiency gain more attention. Due to a possible involvement of many organs, the clinical presentation varies from localized infections of the respiratory tract and the skin, to the characteristic meningoencephalitis or other organs after hematogenous dissemination. Sensitive laboratory tests allow a rapid diagnosis in patients with disseminated infection. Crucial therapeutic decisions depend on the underlying patient condition and the particular organ involvement. The induction therapy of disseminated infections or severe localised infections is based on amphotericin B in combination with 5-flucytosine. In non-severe localised infections and after induction therapy, antifungal treatment with fluconazole is indicated. Echinocandins are not effective in cryptococcosis.