Primary cutaneous cryptococcosis in an elderly man

Abstract

Cryptococcus neoformans is an opportunistic yeast with a worldwide distribution. Although well recognized as a cause of cutaneous disease in immunocompromised patients, this rarely occurs in healthy hosts. In this article, we present the case of a farmer who developed cutaneous cryptococcosis at the site of an injury he sustained while cleaning out his barn. Despite an extensive work-up, no evidence of disseminated disease or underlying immunosuppression was found. The patient recovered completely several weeks after beginning treatment with oral fluconazole.