False-negative cerebrospinal fluid fungal culture results following oral antineoplastic therapy with a 5-fluorouracil derivative.

WHAT IS KNOWN AND

OBJECTIVE

Cryptococcus neoformans, a common opportunistic pathogen among patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, lymphoproliferative disorders and other conditions causing immunosuppression, can be differentiated from other yeasts using biochemical tests as well as culture results and direct histopathological examination.

CASE SUMMARY: We present a case of a 78-year-old man with Cryptococcal meningitis and false-negative cerebrospinal fluid culture results following receipt of capecitabine.

WHAT IS NEW AND

CONCLUSION

Patients receiving immunosuppressive agents are at higher risk of developing invasive fungal infections, and all patient medications should be reviewed to identify those with potential antifungal properties.