Revista Habanera de Ciencias Médicas (Sep 2016)

Neuroimmunology of meningoencephalitis by Cryptococcus neoformans. A case report

  • Bárbara Padilla-Docal,
  • Ivonne Margarita Iglesias González,
  • Alberto Juan Dorta-Contreras

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 15, no. 5
pp. 744 – 751

Abstract

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Introduction: Meningitis/meningoencephalitis is a non-frequent central nervous system infection produced by Cryptococcus neoformans. Objective: To show the neuroimmunological response using reibergram in a patient with chronic meningoencephalitis due to Cryptococcus neoformans. Case presentation: Serum and cerebrospinal fluid IgA, IgM, IgG and albumin levels were quantified in a patient suffering from the disease by means of five lumbar punctures during her evolution; the results were plotted in their corresponding reibergram. Syntheses of at least two intrathecal major immunoglobulin were confirmed. A percent bigger of IgG intrathecal synthesis was observed. There is no blood-brain barrier dysfunction. Conclusion: Intrathecal immunoglobulin synthesis and blood-brain barrier situation constitute key element in the neuro-inflammation diagnosis.Keywords: Cryptococcus neoformans, Neuroimmunology, reibergram, chronic meningoencephalitis.