Cryptococcus gattii Complex Infections in HIV-Infected Patients, Southeastern United States

Abstract

Cryptococcus gattii traditionally infects immunocompetent hosts and causes devastating pulmonary or central nervous system disease. However, this infection rarely occurs in patients infected with HIV. We report 3 cases of HIV-associated C. gattii complex infections in the southeastern United States. Detection of C. gattii in HIV-infected patients in this region warrants increased awareness of this threat to ensure appropriate diagnosis and treatment to optimize patient outcomes.

Keywords

• Cryptococcus
• Cryptococcus gattii
• Cryptococcus gattii complex
• fungi
• meningitis/encephalitis
• infections