Neuromeningeal Cryptococcosis and Tuberculosis Coinfection in Bamako: A One-Year Case Series

Abstract

Abstract Cryptococcosis and tuberculosis are life-threatening opportunistic infections that occur in apparently immunocompetent or severely immunocompromised individuals worldwide. As both infections are strongly linked to HIV infection, they may share certain clinical manifestations, and the interaction of their treatments should be considered. However, despite their similarity, concurrent tuberculosis and cryptococcal infections have rarely been reported in West Africa. Herein, we present 3 cases of neuromeningeal cryptococcosis and lung tuberculosis coinfection collected prospectively over a year at the Department of Infectious Diseases of the Point G Teaching Hospital in Bamako. Two patients had HIV disease, and the third patient had no underlying immunosuppressive illnesses. Thus, active screening for tuberculosis and cryptococcosis, particularly in individuals with HIV, can reduce misdiagnosis and ensure appropriate coinfection management. Moreover, this may reduce mortality due to AIDS-related opportunistic infections in resource-limited settings.