Disseminated cryptococcal infection in a patient with hyperimmunoglobulinemia E syndrome

Hyperimmunoglobulinemia E syndrome is characterized by recurrent infections in the skin and lungs, most commonly by the bacteria Staphylococcus. The clinical symptoms include inflammation and lesions of the skin that are filled with pus, and increased levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE). Patients can also have recurrent infections with other bacteria, such as Haemophilus influenzae, Pneumococcus, Streptococcus, as well as with fungus, such as Candida albicans, Aspergillis, or Trichophyton. There has been one reported case of an individual with hyperimmunoglobulinemia E syndrome who had an infection with a cryptococcal fungus. A second case study of recurrent cryptococcal infection with Cryptococcus neoformans, which caused meningitis (infection that causes inflammation in the membranes that cover the spinal cord and brain), is presented. Abnormal functions of the immune system have been seen in patients with hyperimmunoglobulinemia E syndrome. A possible reason why patients have recurrent infections is that T lymphocytes, which produce cellular factors important in the immune response, are not functioning properly. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)