Research Keyword: Cryptococcal antigen

Emerging Infections Network Survey of Screening for Cryptococcal Antigenemia, United States, 2024

Researchers surveyed infectious disease doctors across the United States about their use of a blood test (cryptococcal antigen screening) to detect a serious fungal infection in HIV patients before symptoms appear. Only about one-third to two-thirds of doctors regularly perform this inexpensive and accurate test, depending on the patient’s immune system status. Many doctors were unsure about the benefits and guidelines for this screening, suggesting that education and clearer guidelines could help more patients catch this dangerous infection early and receive treatment before it becomes life-threatening.

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Access to diagnostic testing for invasive fungal diseases and other opportunistic infections in Mexican health care centers caring for patients living with HIV

This study examined the availability of diagnostic tests for fungal and other serious infections in Mexican HIV clinics. Researchers found that most clinics, especially smaller primary care facilities, lack modern rapid testing equipment needed to quickly diagnose dangerous infections like cryptococcosis and histoplasmosis. These infections are common in people with advanced HIV and can be life-threatening, making access to rapid diagnosis crucial for treatment and survival.

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Clinical spectrum, immune status, and prognostic factors of cryptococcosis: insights from a large, multi-center, ambispective cohort study in southeastern China

This study examined cryptococcosis, a serious fungal infection, in 396 non-HIV patients across hospitals in southeastern China. The researchers found that patients’ immune status, whether the infection spread to the brain, and blood inflammation markers were key predictors of survival. Most patients treated with azole medications (a common antifungal) improved or recovered, though those with brain involvement or severe immune deficiency had worse outcomes. The findings help doctors identify which patients need more intensive treatment.

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Co-Infection of Pulmonary Aspergillosis and Cryptococcal Meningitis in an HIV-Positive Patient: A Case Report

This case describes a man with undiagnosed HIV who developed two serious fungal infections at the same time: a lung infection caused by Aspergillus fungus and a brain infection caused by Cryptococcus fungus. His extremely low immune system (CD4 count of 41) made him vulnerable to multiple opportunistic infections. Despite treatment with antifungal medications, his condition worsened and he passed away, highlighting the dangers of late HIV diagnosis.

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