A fatal case of pulmonary cryptococcosis in an apparently immunocompetent patient from Cote D′ Ivoire

Cryptococcosis is an opportunistic mycosis caused by <i>Cryptococcus</i>, mainly affecting the immunocompromised. We report a case of pulmonary cryptococcosis within a 31-year-old immunocompetent patient admitted for painful chest swelling evolving for 4 months prior to admission. The chest X-Ray showed a rounded pulmonary opacity. The chest ultrasound revealed a pulmonary abscess diffusing under the skin. Direct examination using the Indian ink and the May-Grunwald Giemsa staining revealed encapsulated yeasts in the pus. The Culture of the pus on the Sabouraud medium with chloramphenicol confirmed the presence of <i>Cryptococcus neoformans</i>. Cryptococcal antigen was positive. This case reminds us that cryptococcosis should be considered even without immunosuppression.