[Generalized cryptococcosis in secondary immunodeficiency induced by long-term steroid therapy (on the 100th anniversary of the day of first discovery in 1894)].

One case of a generalized cryptococcosis in secondary immunodeficiency resultant from a long-term steroid therapy is described. Granulomatous pulmonary lesion with subsequent abscess formation and generalized infection with involvement of the kidneys, pancreas and brain eventuated in the patient's death. Early intravital diagnosis of the lung mycotic damage and discontinuation of the hormonal therapy could essentially influence the disease outcome. It should be taken into account that immunity in such cases is not only the target of primary iatrogenic damage but also of a direct harmful action of the infectious agent itself, especially on T-cell immunity.