Scleral ulceration caused by Cryptococcus albidus in a patient with acquired immune deficiency syndrome.

PURPOSE: To describe a case of a scleral ulceration caused by Cryptococcus albidus in a patient with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).

DESIGN

Interventional case report. A 16-year-old girl with AIDS was admitted to the hospital with a 1-week history of cough, fever, and sudden onset of a painless scleral lesion on her left eye. Culture of the lesion revealed the fungus Crypotococcus albidus.

RESULTS

The patient was treated with topical amphotericin B and systemic itraconazole, and she recovered fully over 4 weeks without sequelae.

CONCLUSION

Cryptococcus albidus rarely causes disease in humans. It should be considered as a potential cause of ocular and systemic disease in patients with AIDS.