Cryptococcus Infection in an Immunocompetent Patient

A case of a 26-year-old female who was apparently healthy without any comorbidities presented with a history of headache, which was gradually progressive over 2 months with features suggestive of raised intracranial pressure. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) study was done, which revealed chronic meningitis. Indian ink staining of CSF showed Cryptococcus , and the species was identified as Cryptococcus gattii . She did not have any respiratory symptoms, but the chest radiography showed a consolidative patch caused by growing yeasts mimicking a mass. Cryptococcal infection is rarely seen in immunocompetent individuals. Among the two species of Cryptococcus , C. gattii is known to cause infections in immunocompetent. It is imperative to have a high index of suspicion and early diagnosis of such a condition to avoid unwanted complications in patients.