Cryptococcosis and tuberculosis coinfection: Always a clinical challenge

Abstract

Cryptococcosis and tuberculosis are known to cause opportunistic infections in immunocompromised hosts. Coinfection involving Cryptococcus and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) within immunocompetent hosts presents a rare and intriguing clinical scenario that challenges conventional paradigms of infectious diseases. The literature on cryptococcal and tubercular coinfection in immunocompetent hosts is scarce, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive exploration of this unique clinical entity. Immunocompetent patients who exhibit meningitis-like symptoms are rarely evaluated for cryptococcal meningitis, which can cause the illness to be misdiagnosed or delayed leading to catastrophic consequences, including death. This case report discusses the clinical manifestations, diagnostic challenges, and therapeutic considerations specific to cases where Cryptococcus and M. tuberculosis coexist in individuals with robust immune systems. The review also addresses the difficulty of distinguishing coinfection from sequential infections, providing insights into the potential synergistic or antagonistic interactions between Cryptococcus and M. tuberculosis. By synthesizing available evidence and identifying gaps in knowledge, this case report contributes to the evolving understanding of coinfections in immunocompetent hosts. Furthermore, implications for clinical management, including optimized diagnostic strategies and tailored treatment regimens, are discussed. The exploration of host–pathogen interactions in coinfection scenarios has broader implications for infectious disease research and public health strategies, guiding future investigations into the complexities of infectious diseases in immunocompetent individuals.