A case of prosthetic valve endocarditis caused by Cryptococcus neoformans var. neoformans.

A case of prosthetic valve endocarditis caused by Cryptococcus neoformans var. neoformans is described. The infection followed closed mitral valvotomy and insertion of a valvular prosthesis. Infection was manifested 2 weeks after the operation. The diagnosis was based on direct demonstration of the yeast with characteristic morphology in clinical material, isolation from an arterial thrombus and detection of cryptococcal antigen in the serum. The patient's infection could not be resolved despite institution of antifungal therapy.