Disseminated cryptococcosis with recurrent multiple abscesses in an immunocompetent patient: a case report and literature review

BACKGROUND: Cryptococcus neoformans is frequently present as an opportunistic pathogen mainly affecting immunocompromised populations. Disseminated C. neoformans infection in immunocompetent population is rare and usually involves lung and central nerve system. Cryptococcus from biologic samples can easily grow on routine fungal and bacterial culture media. Besides, cryptococcal latex agglutination test has been established as a reliable diagnostic tool with overall sensitivities of 93–100%. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a rare disseminated cryptococcosis case which presented with chronic recurrent multiple abscess in an immunocompetent male involving skin, lung, spine and iliac fossa without evidence of central nerve system involving. The results of serum cryptococcal latex agglutination tests and standard microbial cultures were negative. The patient underwent empirical anti-bacterial and anti-tuberculosis therapy which turned out to be effectless. Finally, bedside inoculation of the pus was carried out and revealed Cryptococcus neoformans, which was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction. After the administration of anti-fungal drugs including liposomal amphotericin B, the patient recovered from fever and paraplegia. CONCLUSIONS: This case reveals an uncommon pattern of disseminated C. neoformans infection in immunocompetent population presented with chronic multiple abscess and without central nerve system involving. Negative routine microbial cultures may not necessarily rule out cryptococcosis, especially in early stage. Besides, cryptococcal latex agglutination test does have a chance of false negative, which might be related with “capsule-deficiency”. Moreover, this phenomenon could be related with low-grade virulence and relative long illness duration.