[Cryptococcus bloodstream infection: a retrospectively analysis of 16 cases in one tertiary hospital].

Objective

To explore the clinical characteristics of cryptococcus bloodstream infection.

Methods

A retrospectively analysis was performed by collecting data of clinical manifestations, underlying diseases, susceptible factors, therapy and prognosis of cryptococcus bloodstream infection in the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from December 2006 to December 2017.

Results

The most common symptom of the 16 patients was fever (12/16). When combined with cryptococcus infection of central nervous system, the manifestations may include dizziness, headache, nausea and vomiting.Among the 16 patients, 11 cases had underlying diseases, which listed as leukemia, lymphoma, diabetes mellitus, hepatitis B, cirrhosis, chronic kidney disease and carcinoma of the liver; 12 cases had invasive procedures, 6 cases had hypoproteinemia, 4 cases had long-term usage of glucocorticoids, and 5 cases received broad spectrum antibiotics longer than 1 week.8 cases died, 6 cases improved and 2 cases were transferred to the specialized hospital for their newly diagnosed AIDS.

Conclusions

Bloodstream infection of cryptococcus is a relatively rare disease.Fever is one of the most common symptoms of cryptococcus bloodstream infection.Underlying diseases, invasive procedures, hypoproteinemia, long-term application of glucocorticoids and antibiotics are the risk factors for cryptococcus bloodstream infection.