Cryptococcal Meningitis in an Apparently Immunocompetent Patient: A Case Report

Background: Meningitis caused by Cryptococcus neoformans is an opportunistic fungal infection in immunocompromised hosts. Few cases of cryptococcal meningitis have been reported in immunocompetent hosts. Cryptococcal meningitis is often misdiagnosed in immunocompetent individuals. A history, clinical examination, early diagnosis and treatment play a role in the management of cryptococcal meningitis. Case Presentation: A 27-year-old female presented with headache, giddiness, and vomiting for 20 days. On examination, she was conscious, oriented and afebrile with neck stiffness. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis showed predominant lymphocytes. Aerobic culture of CSF showed no growth in 48 hours, but after 5 days of incubation in thioglycolate broth, Cryptococcus neoformans was isolated. The patient was started on intravenous Amphotericin B and Fluconazole tablet. Conclusion: Although cryptococcal meningitis infection is rare among immunocompetent patients, it must be suspected by clinicians in patients presenting with meningitis symptoms.