title: Cryptococcus infection in a non-HIV patient: a case report.
abstract: Cryptococcal infections are fungal infections most commonly seen in immunocompromised patients. Chronic high-dose steroid may precipitate such an immunocompromised state and thus create susceptibility to fungal infections. Cryptococcus neoformans is a saprophyte usually found in soil contaminated with pigeon droppings. Suspicion to diagnose begins with clinical symptoms that can be non-specific such as fevers, cough, and headaches. We present a case of steroid-induced cryptococcal infection in a non-HIV-infected person.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Union Memorial Hospital, University of Parkway, Baltimore, MD, USA.
authors.forename: Charmian D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Sittambalam
authors.forename: Heidi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Hanna
authors.forename: Justin
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Martello
authors.forename: Dimitra
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Mitsani
keywords: chronic steroid use; cryptococcal infection; cryptococcal meningitis