Fatal disseminated cryptococcosis in a HIV negative elderly Indian woman--an early diagnosis by polarizing microscopy

Indian J Pathol Microbiol. 2004 Oct;47(4):542-4.

Abstract

An elderly HIV negative woman with disseminated cryptococcosis is reported. The clinical presentation was unusual. Rapid diagnosis is possible if Maltese crosses are demonstrated on polarizing microscopy of tissue sections or smears. Cutaneous involvement in cryptococcosis is uncommon, however when present, can be a valuable and relatively easily available source of material from which Cryptococci can be demonstrated.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Cryptococcosis / diagnosis*
  • Cryptococcosis / microbiology
  • Cryptococcosis / pathology
  • Cryptococcus neoformans / isolation & purification
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • HIV Seronegativity
  • Humans
  • India
  • Microscopy, Polarization