ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the most frequently seen deep fungal infections in the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected population, and highlights their significance in light of their accompanying high mortality rates in the immunocompromised population. Cryptococcus neoformans, an encapsulated yeast-like fungus, is the second most common opportunistic fungal infection in HIV-positive patients with Candida albicans being the most common. The most common presentation of cutaneous cryptococcosis is umbilicated flesh-colored papules or nodules that are similar in appearance to lesions of molluscum contagiosum. Infection withC. neoformans occurs via inhalation of small diameter organisms which go on to enter the respiratory passages.C. neoformans infection is diagnosed by culturing the organism from clinical specimens or by organism visualization on histopathologic exam. Diagnosis of histoplasmosis can be established via culture, fungal stain, antigen detection, or serologic testing for antibodies. Definitive diagnosis can be established if the organism is isolated from a clinical specimen.
