Sudden spurt of cryptococcosis at a tertiary care hospital at New Delhi between December 1994 to February 1995

Abstract

In a short span of three months, nine patients of cryptococcal infection were diagnosed at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi with varied clinical presentation. Predisposing factors could be ascertained in two patients only. The diagnosis was based on the direct demonstration of the organism followed by successful culture supported by histopathology (in one patient) and radiology. The specific antigen was also detected in the body fluids. The increased awareness and greater suspicion helped in the diagnosis of these patients. Those who were diagnosed early, responded well with specific antifungal therapy.