Cerebellar Cryptococcal Abscess in HIV-Negative Patient: A Case Report and Literature Review

BACKGROUND: Cryptococcus is a common cause of opportunistic infection in HIV-positive patients. While the incidence of this disease has decreased in AIDS-associated cases, cryptococcal infection in immune-competent person has been increased. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of cryptococcosis and literature review of pathogenesis and clinical aspects of cryptococcal central nervous system infection. A 64-year-old man, from Flores, complaining of severe headache since a few days before admitted to hospital. Head MRI showed multiple hypointense lesions in the left cerebellar hemisphere, suspected abscess or metastatic process. HIV testing was non-reactive. Surgery was performed, and microscopic evaluation revealed multiple abscesses containing PAS-positive budding yeasts consistent with cryptococcal abscesses. CONCLUSION: Cryptococcosis rarely occur in immunocompetent patients. The clinical manifestation depends on pathogenic factors of pathogen and host factor. Treatment is with the administration of antifungal drugs, and the prognosis mostly depends on the underlying disease.