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Cryptococcal Infections, Pediatric

Eric S. Kirkendall, MD, MBI, FAAP and Samir S. Shah, MD, MSCE Reviewed 10/2018
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

Cryptococcosis is an opportunistic fungal infection caused by Cryptococcus neoformans that may involve several organ systems, including the CNS, lungs, bones, visceral organs, and sk...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Cryptococcal meningitis may present as either an indolent infection or acute illness.

  • Symptoms of cryptococcal meningitis include headache, malaise, and low-grade fever. Nausea, vomiti...

TREATMENT

  • Clinical management depends on extent of disease and immune status of the host.

  • Pulmonary and extrapulmonary disease (HIV-negative, nontransplant)

    • Normal hosts with isolated pulmonary nodules ...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Patient Monitoring

  • Because of the risk of relapse, patients should be seen at 3-month intervals for 12 to 18 months following treatment. Immunocompromised patients...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Joshi NS, Fisher BT, Prasad PA, et al. Epidemiology of cryptococcal infection in hospitalized children. Pediatr Infect Dis J.  2010;29(12):e91–e95. [View Abstract on OvidInsigh...

CODES

ICD9

117.5 Cryptococcosis 

ICD10

  • B45.9 Cryptococcosis, unspecified

  • B45.0 Pulmonary cryptococcosis

  • B45.8 Other forms of cryptococcosis

  • B45.1 Cerebral cryptococcosis

  • B45.3 Osseous cryptococcosis

  • B45.7 Dis...

FAQ

  • Q: What are the sources of Cryptococcus in nature?

  • A: Pigeon droppings and soil. Naturally acquired infections occur in lower mammals, especially cats. However, neither animal-to-human nor human-to...

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