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  • Perinatal/Neonatal Case Presentation
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Perinatal/Neonatal Case Presentation

Transplacental transmission of Cryptococcus neoformans to an HIV-exposed premature neonate

Journal of Perinatology volume 32, pages 235–237 (2012)Cite this article

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Abstract

Cryptococcosis during pregnancy is well documented, but transmission of infection to the fetus is rare. We describe a premature neonate born to a mother with congenitally acquired human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and active cryptococcosis. Histological examination of the placenta revealed Cryptococcus neoformans within the maternal intervillous space with focal invasion into the chorionic villi. A positive serum cryptococcal antigen (1:2) was detected on days 1 and 5 of life. The neonate had no evidence of central nervous system disease and was treated with fluconazole with resolution of antigenemia. This case highlights both the potential for transplacental transmission of C. neoformans infection and the complexities of caring for pregnant mothers who themselves are congenitally infected with HIV.

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Acknowledgements

We thank Xiaoxiao Li for her help with immunohistochemistry.

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Author notes

  1. R P Madan and D L Goldman: These authors contributed equally to this article.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA

    M Patel, K P Beckerman, R P Madan & D L Goldman

  2. Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Women's Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA

    K P Beckerman

  3. Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA

    S Reznik

  4. Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA

    D L Goldman

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  1. M Patel
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  2. K P Beckerman
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  3. S Reznik
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  4. R P Madan
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  5. D L Goldman
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Corresponding authors

Correspondence to R P Madan or D L Goldman.

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The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Supplementary Information accompanies the paper on the Journal of Perinatology website

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Patel, M., Beckerman, K., Reznik, S. et al. Transplacental transmission of Cryptococcus neoformans to an HIV-exposed premature neonate. J Perinatol 32, 235–237 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1038/jp.2011.112

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/jp.2011.112

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