Chronic diarrhoea caused by Cryptococcus neoformans in a non-human immunodeficiency virus-infected patient.
A 43-y-old woman with underlying cervix carcinoma stage IIIB, status postirradiation, and diabetes mellitus with tripathy suffered from chronic diarrhoea for more than 6 months. Stool examination showed few white blood cells and red blood cells. Rectal swab cultures disclosed Cryptococcus neoformans in 2 samples obtained 2 weeks apart. The diarrhoea responded to treatment with oral fluconazole for 4 weeks. Repeated rectal swabs revealed no yeast growth. During follow-up for 4 y, she had no problems with diarrhoea. Chronic diarrhoea caused by C. neoformans is rare and clinical suspicion is needed.
Sungkanuparph
Somnuek
S
Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand. tesuk@mahidol.ac.th
Tanphaichitra
Deja
D
Pracharktam
Roongnapa
R
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003453:Cryptococcosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D003455:Cryptococcus neoformans / Q000187:drug effects / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*; D005260:Female; D015725:Fluconazole / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D018023:HIV Seronegativity; D006801:Humans; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000935:Antifungal Agents; D015725:Fluconazole