Abstract

Introduction

Cryptococcosis is a significant opportunistic fungal infection, particularly affecting immunocompromised individuals. <em>Papillotrema laurentii </em>has been increasingly reported in recent years, especially in immunosuppressed patients. This study aims to provide guidance on the diagnosis and treatment of <em>P. laurentii</em>-related infections or colonization, along with a review of the existing literature.

Materials and Methods

Patients with <em>P. laurentii </em>isolated in any culture sample between 2017 and 2022 were included in this study. A literature search was conducted using the electronic databases Scopus, Web of Science, MEDLINE (PubMed), and Google Scholar.

Results

Over the past 5 years, <em>P. laurentii </em>was identified in culture samples from nine patients in our hospital. A literature review revealed 35 publications reporting a total of 40 cases of <em>P. Laurentii </em>infection between 1998 and 2022. The most common risk factors included the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics and the presence of invasive devices or catheters.

Conclusion

>Although <em>P. laurentii </em>is considered a rare pathogen, it can cause infections of various organ systems. Therefore, clinicians should be aware that this uncommon fungal species may act as an infectious agent, particularly in patients receiving broad-spectrum antibiotics or steroid therapy.