Opportunistic infections are a major feature of AIDS, and cryptococcosis occurs in 3% to 7% of these patients. [1] and [2] This infection is caused by Cryptococcus neoformans and has been associated with exposure to birds and bird droppings, especially those of pigeons. 3 Less frequently, it has been isolated from other avian excreta, soil, certain fruits, contaminated milk, and wood products. [4] and [5] The infection is usually acquired by the respiratory route, with the primary focus in the lungs. Hematogenous dissemination may also occur, characteristically to the meninges, but occasionally to the kidneys and the skin. The most frequent skin manifestations of disseminated cryptococcosis are a subcutaneous nodule, localized cellulitis, or ulcer. To our knowledge, primary cryptococcocal skin infection presenting as a vulvar ulcer has not previously been described.
Granulomatous-ulcerative vulvar cryptococcosis in a patient with advanced HIV disease.
BERNENGO, Maria Grazia
1997-01-01
Abstract
Opportunistic infections are a major feature of AIDS, and cryptococcosis occurs in 3% to 7% of these patients. [1] and [2] This infection is caused by Cryptococcus neoformans and has been associated with exposure to birds and bird droppings, especially those of pigeons. 3 Less frequently, it has been isolated from other avian excreta, soil, certain fruits, contaminated milk, and wood products. [4] and [5] The infection is usually acquired by the respiratory route, with the primary focus in the lungs. Hematogenous dissemination may also occur, characteristically to the meninges, but occasionally to the kidneys and the skin. The most frequent skin manifestations of disseminated cryptococcosis are a subcutaneous nodule, localized cellulitis, or ulcer. To our knowledge, primary cryptococcocal skin infection presenting as a vulvar ulcer has not previously been described.
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