Epidemiology and Clinical Features of Cryptococcosis Among Individuals Without HIV Infection: An Observational International Multicenter Study (MSG-11).
Journal
Open forum infectious diseases
Journal Volume
13
Journal Issue
4
ISSN
2328-8957
Date Issued
2026-04
Author(s)
Chen, Sharon C A
McGwin, Gerald
Chakrabarti, Arunaloke
Cornely, Oliver A
Barac, Aleksandra
Kaur, Harsimran
Rudramurthy, Shivaprakash M
Phillips, Peter
Seas, Carlos
McMullen, Rachel
Pappas, Peter G
Abstract
Background: Infections due to Cryptococcus species occur globally, mostly reported as central nervous system (CNS) infection among persons with HIV infection. Among persons without HIV infection, cryptococcosis is a growing concern both among immunocompromised and non-immunocompromised individuals. There are few detailed descriptions of these patients outside of North America and Western Europe. Methodology: This prospective, observational, multinational study enrolled HIV-uninfected patients with proven/probable cryptococcosis from 7 countries on 4 continents located in temperate, subtropical and tropical zones. Patients were identified based on culture, histopathology and/or serologic testing. Relevant clinical and epidemiologic data were collected. Results: We identified 103 subjects with proven and probable cryptococcosis. Mean age was 53.8 years and 72% were male. Predisposing conditions were present in 70 patients (68%); most commonly malignancy, non-transplant related immunosuppressive therapy, and solid organ transplantation. Median time to diagnosis in non-immunocompromised individuals was 67 days compared to 19.7, 31.3 and 61 days for organ transplant, hematologic malignancy and other conditions, respectively. Survival at 3 and 12 months was similar across all risk groups. Conclusions: Epidemiology, time to diagnosis, treatment and outcomes for HIV-uninfected persons with cryptococcosis in very diverse geographic regions are similar to data from North America and Western Europe.
Subjects
cryptococcosis
cryptococcus gattii
cryptococcus neoformans
non-HIV infected individuals
Type
journal article