Cryptococcal Meningitis in AIDS

A large proportion of people with acquired immune deficiency syndrome contact cryptococcal meningitis. This opportunistic infection is associated with high mortality, particularly in resource-poor developing countries. The causative fungus, Cryptococcal neoformans, has a worldwide distribution. The clinical features of cryptococcal meningitis are not notably different from those of bacterial meningitis. Thus a high index of suspicion is critical for its diagnosis, particularly in areas of the world where standard medical laboratory facilities are difficult to come by. Prompt institution of effective and appropriate systemic antifungal drugs is also essential. This article discusses the mycology, clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of AIDSassociated cryptococcal meningitis.