False-negative cerebrospinal fluid cryptococcal antigen test due to small-colony variants of Cryptococcus neoformans meningitis in a patient with cystopleural shunt

Scand J Infect Dis. 2006;38(11-12):1110-4. doi: 10.1080/00365540600664118.

Abstract

This is the first report of a small-colony variant Cryptococcus neoformans isolated from the cerebrospinal fluid of a patient with cystopleural shunt associated chronic meningitis. Cryptococcal antigen testing of the cerebrospinal fluid and the serum were both negative. The atypical morphology and the false-negative test may lead to delay of diagnosis and treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antigens, Fungal / cerebrospinal fluid*
  • Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunts / methods*
  • Cryptococcus neoformans / classification*
  • Cryptococcus neoformans / genetics
  • Cryptococcus neoformans / immunology
  • Cryptococcus neoformans / isolation & purification
  • False Negative Reactions
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Meningitis, Cryptococcal / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Meningitis, Cryptococcal / diagnosis*
  • Middle Aged
  • Phenotype
  • Prostheses and Implants / microbiology*

Substances

  • Antigens, Fungal