Cryptococcus--diversity of clinical presentation.

Cryptococcus neoformans is encapsulated yeast, which is highly prevalent in the soil. animals and as a colonist in humans. The most important event involved in host defense against Cryptococcus neoformans is the development of an adequate cell-mediated immune response particularly T cell mediated immunity. The level of immunity caq cause the spectrum to vary from mere colonization of the respiratory tract to serious meningitic or disseminated forms of illness. However, human cryptococcal disease is generally encountered in patients with leukemia. Hodgkin’s disease or nonHodgkin’s lymphoma, in those receiving prolonged steroid therapy, or in people who have Acquired Immunodeflciency Syndrome. Although the immune status is an important factor in determining the degree of infection. reports have shown that 50% of patients do not have any recognizable antecedent or concomitant immunodefic iency. We came across two unusual cases. In the first case marked eosinophilia was noted. The second patient had cryptococcal infection in the breast.