title: Cryptococcus peritonitis a rare manifestation in HIV positive host: a case report.
abstract: Cryptococcus neoformans is an encapsulated yeast found ubiquitously in the environment and causes serious infections in immunocompromised populations. Disseminated disease is uncommon and very rarely manifests as peritonitis. We report a case of cryptococcal peritonitis in a HIV positive patient, who presented with distention of abdomen, vomiting, and dyspnoea, where the diagnosis was made on cytological smears of ascitic fluid. The importance of making a quick diagnosis utilizing cytological smears is emphasized and the cytological features are demonstrated. Disseminated cryptococcosis, particularly with peritonitis, is an uncommon manifestation of C. neoformans infection. A high clinical suspicion and early initiation of therapy is needed to recognize and treat patients effectively.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Sevagram, Wardha, Maharashtra, India.
authors.forename: Puja
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.forename: Deepti
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Joshi
authors.forename: Nitin
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Gangane
mesh_terms: D017088:AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*; D000328:Adult; D001202:Ascitic Fluid / Q000382:microbiology; D003453:Cryptococcosis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003455:Cryptococcus neoformans; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010538:Peritonitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology