[Cryptococcal whitlow in a HIV positive patient].

INTRODUCTION

Cutaneous cryptococcosis is a systemic fungal disease; it is commonly observed in immunocompromised patients.

OBSERVATION: We report the case of a cryptococcal whitlow in an HIV positive patient. The mycologic culture of the cutaneous lesion was positive for Cryptococcus neoformans serotype D. The detection of the blood antigen was positive but there was no pulmonary nor central nervous system involvement. The lesions cured with fluconazole (400 mg/day during 2 months and 200 mg/day after).

DISCUSSION: This unusual clinical presentation of cutaneous cryptococcosis has never been reported in an HIV positive patient. As the dermatologic manifestations of cryptococcosis are polymorphous mycologic examination of skin lesions is very important.