Abstract
Cryptococcal meningitis (CM), a fungal disease caused by Cryptococcus spp., is the most common form of meningitis and a leading cause of death among persons with HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa. Detection of cryptococcal antigen, which is present several weeks before overt signs of meningitis develop, provides an opportunity to detect infection early. Screening persons with HIV for cryptococcal infection when they access healthcare can identify asymptomatic infected patients allowing for prompt treatment and prevention of death. A newly developed point-of-care assay for cryptococcal antigen, as well as growing evidence supporting the utility and cost-effectiveness of screening, are further reasons to consider broad implementation of cryptococcal screening in countries with a high burden of cryptococcal disease.
Publication types
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
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Review
MeSH terms
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AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / diagnosis*
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AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / drug therapy
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AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / epidemiology
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AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / immunology
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Africa South of the Sahara
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Antifungal Agents / administration & dosage*
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Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use
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Antigens, Fungal / immunology
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Cost-Benefit Analysis
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Cryptococcosis / diagnosis*
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Cryptococcosis / drug therapy
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Cryptococcosis / epidemiology
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Cryptococcosis / immunology
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Cryptococcus / drug effects*
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Cryptococcus / immunology
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HIV / drug effects
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HIV / immunology
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HIV Infections / drug therapy
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HIV Infections / epidemiology
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HIV Infections / immunology
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Humans
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Immunoassay*
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Mass Screening
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Meningitis, Cryptococcal / diagnosis*
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Meningitis, Cryptococcal / drug therapy
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Meningitis, Cryptococcal / epidemiology
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Meningitis, Cryptococcal / immunology
Substances
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Antifungal Agents
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Antigens, Fungal