[Cryptococcal meningoencephalitis. Epidemiology and mortality risk factors in pre- and post-HAART era]

Design of a cryptococcus neoformans vaccine by subtractive proteomics combined with immunoinformatics

The emergence of Cryptococcus neoformans has posed an undeniable burden to many regions worldwide, with its strains mainly entering the lungs through the respiratory tract and spreading throughout the body. Limitations of drug regimens, such as high costs and limited options, have directed our attention toward the promising field of vaccine development. In this study, the subtractive proteomics approach was employed to select target proteins from databases that can accurately cover serotypes A and D of the Cryptococcus neoformans. Further, two multi-epitope vaccines consisting of T and B cell epitopes were demonstrated that they have good structural stability and could bind with immune receptor to induce desired immune responses in silico. After further evaluation, these vaccines show the potential for large-scale production and applicability to the majority of the population of the world. In summary, these two vaccines have been theoretically proven to combat Cryptococcus neoformans infections, awaiting further experimental validation of their actual protective effects.

Disseminated cryptococcosis with varicella-zoster virus coinfection of idiopathic CD4 + T lymphocytopenia: a case report and literature review

BACKGROUND

Idiopathic CD4 + T lymphocytopenia (ICL) is a rare immunodeficiency syndrome, unaccompanied by various opportunistic infections. Cryptococcus and varicella-zoster viruse are the most common opportunistic infections.

METHOD

We described a case of disseminated cryptococcosis with varicella-zoster virus coinfection in a patient with ICL and reviewed all published reports. A total of 26 cases with cryptococcal meningitis in ICL were enrolled.

DISCUSSION

ICL remains poorly understood to clinicians. Patients with cryptococcal meningitis in ICL mostly suffered with headache and fever in a subacute or chronic period, while some patients might have atypical manifestations which makes a difficulty for early diagnosis. Some characteristics of cerebrospinal fluid can help to predict the prognosis of the disease. Cryptococcosis with varicella-zoster virus coinfection is rare but serious.

CONCLUSION

We recommed CD4 + T cells should be assessed in patients with unusual or recurrent infections. As the underlying pathophysiology is poorly understood, there is no standard therapy for ICL. Increased awareness of the disease and early prevention for CD4 reduction are needed.

Cryptococcal Lung Infections

Cryptococcus is among the most common invasive fungal pathogens globally and is one of the leading causes of acquired immunodeficiency virus-related deaths. Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii are the most clinically relevant species and account for most cryptococcal disease. Pulmonary manifestations can range from mild symptoms to life-threatening infection. Treatment is tailored based on the severity of pulmonary infection, the presence of disseminated or central nervous system disease, and patient immune status. Amphotericin B and flucytosine followed by fluconazole remain the standard agents for the treatment of severe cryptococcal infection.

Prediction of unfavorable outcomes in cryptococcal meningitis: results of the multicenter Infectious Diseases International Research Initiative (ID-IRI) cryptococcal meningitis study

Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is mostly seen in immunocompromised patients, particularly human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients, but CM may also occur in apparently immunocompetent individuals. Outcome analyses have been performed in such patients but, due to the high prevalence of HIV infection worldwide, CM patients today may be admitted to hospitals with unknown HIV status, particularly in underdeveloped countries. The objective of this multicenter study was to analyze all types of CM cases in an aggregate cohort to disclose unfavorable outcomes. We retrospectively reviewed the hospitalized CM patients from 2000 to 2015 in 26 medical centers from 11 countries. Demographics, clinical, microbiological, radiological, therapeutic data, and outcomes were included. Death, neurological sequelae, or relapse were unfavorable outcomes. Seventy (43.8%) out of 160 study cases were identified as unfavorable and 104 (65%) were HIV infected. On multivariate analysis, the higher Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores (p = 0.021), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leukocyte counts > 20 (p = 0.038), and higher CSF glucose levels (p = 0.048) were associated with favorable outcomes. On the other hand, malignancy (p = 0.026) was associated with poor outcomes. Although all CM patients require prompt and rational fungal management, those with significant risks for poor outcomes need to be closely monitored.