Chronic Diarrhoea Caused by Cryptococcus neoformans in a Non-human Immunodeficiency Virus-infected Patient

Abstract

A 43-y-old woman with underlying cervix carcinoma stage IIIB, status postirradiation, and diabetes mellitus with tripathy suffered from chronic diarrhoea for more than 6 months. Stool examination showed few white blood cells and red blood cells. Rectal swab cultures disclosed Cryptococcus neoformans in 2 samples obtained 2 weeks apart. The diarrhoea responded to treatment with oral fluconazole for 4 weeks. Repeated rectal swabs revealed no yeast growth. During follow-up for 4 y, she had no problems with diarrhoea. Chronic diarrhoea caused by C. neoformans is rare and clinical suspicion is needed.