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.
Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand. tesuk@mahidol.ac.th
Somnuek
S
Sungkanuparph
Deja
D
Tanphaichitra
Roongnapa
R
Pracharktam
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