Question
70. A 38-year-old woman, who is being treated with corticosteroids for systemic lupus erythematosus, presents with chronic nonproductive cough. She breeds pigeons for avian hobbyists. A chest X-ray reveals a 2-cm nodule in the upper lobe of the right lung. The lung nodule is resected. Histologic examination reveals granulomas and budding yeast forms, which stain positively for polysaccharides as shown in the image. What is the appropriate diagnosis?
| A. |
Actinomycosis |
| B. |
Coccidioidomycosis |
| C. | Cryptococcosis |
| D. |
Histoplasmosis |
Show Answer
|
Correct Answer � C Explanation |
 |
Answer : C Cryptococcosis
Cryptococcosis results from the inhalation of spores of Cryptococcus neoformans, an organism frequently encountered in pigeon droppings. Most serious cases occur in immunocompromised persons.
Other examples of fungal infections of the lungs are histoplasmosis,
coccidioidomycosis, and aspergillosis.
However, cryptococcus stains positively with a mucicarmine stain for capsular polysaccharides. These diseases are also acquired by inhaling spores.