Cutaneous cryptococcosis resembling molluscum contagiosum in a homosexual man with AIDS. Report of a case and review of the literature

Abstract

A 43-year-old homosexual man with the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) developed cutaneous molluscum contagiosum-like lesions on face, ears, neck, hands and feet. He was admitted to our unit with fever, malaise and headache. Cytologic examination of skin brushing revealed numerous encapsulated budding yeasts, identified as Cryptococcus neoformans. Such a finding calls for a cytologic examination of skin lesions in patients with AIDS who present with fever and headache, in order to rule out a potentially life-threatening fungal infection.