Clinical characteristics of HIV-negativepatients with cryptococcemia in a Chinese tertiary-care hospital:
A 10-year study
Abstract Objective: Cryptococcosis is a severe opportunistic fungal infection. Cryptococcemia is a rare manifestation of cryptococcosis with high mortality. Objective: To characterize patients with cryptococcemia in Chinese PLA General Hospital since 2010 to 2019.Methods: We identified retrospectively those blood cultures with Cryptococcus sp. growth, and then obtained their clinical information which were analyzed by two independent reviewers.Results: A total of 8 patients withcryptococcemiawere identified, of which only 2 patients survived. There were 3 males and 5 females, whose age ranged from 23 to 72 years. They were all HIV negative. 1 (12.5%) had ovarian adenocarcinoma, 2 (25%) had systemic lupus erythematosus, 3 (37.5%) had primary nephrotic syndrome, 1 (12.5%) had viral myocarditis, and 1 (12.5%) were after lung transplantation. The most common symptoms were fever (100%) and confusion (50%). Out of the 8 episodes, 6 (60%) had meningeal infection and 2 (25%) presented as pulmonary involvement meanwhile. Six patients were dead at half a year follow up.Conclusions: Cryptococcemia is an unusual infection characterized by a high mortality. It requires early identify and prompt antifungal therapy.