Abstract | OBJECTIVES: Central nervous system involvement is common in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome ( AIDS), with Cryptococcus neoformans being an important cause among etiologies causing fungal meningitis. Seventeen human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive adults with symptoms of chronic meningitis were investigated for fungal meningitis because of C. neoformans and a correlation was attempted with the CD4 counts of these patients. METHODS: Cerebrospinal fluid and blood samples were collected for direct microscopy, culture, and serology. CD4 counts were determined by flow cytometry. RESULTS: CONCLUSION: The study provides information about the increasing incidence of Cryptococcal meningitis after the AIDS pandemic. It indicates progression of HIV infection toward AIDS and is useful as a reference to starting antiretroviral therapy in settings where facilities for determination of CD4 counts are not available. It also confirms that the course of Cryptococcal meningitis in Indian patients is similar to most studies.
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Authors | Anupriya Wadhwa, Ravinder Kaur, Preena Bhalla |
Journal | The neurologist
(Neurologist)
Vol. 14
Issue 4
Pg. 247-51
(Jul 2008)
ISSN: 1074-7931 [Print] United States |
PMID | 18617851
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Topics |
- AIDS Dementia Complex
(complications, epidemiology, immunology)
- AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections
(complications, epidemiology, immunology)
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
(complications)
- CD4 Lymphocyte Count
- HIV Infections
(complications)
- Humans
- Meningitis, Cryptococcal
(complications, epidemiology, immunology)
- Toxoplasmosis, Cerebral
(complications, epidemiology, immunology)
- Tuberculosis, Meningeal
(complications, epidemiology, immunology)
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