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Cryptococcal meningitis in pediatric AIDS
Ravinder Kaur1, Deepti Rawat, Manish Kakkar
1Department of Microbiology, Maulana Azad Medical College, Associated Lok Nayak Hospital, New Delhi, India. dr_kaur@hotmail.com
Abstract:
Cryptococcus neoformans is an infrequent cause of meningitis in children. We report two cases of HIV positive children of HIV non-reactive parents who were diagnosed as suffering from cryptococcal meningitis. Treatment with amphotericin B and flucytosine was instituted in both the children who recovered and are doing well.
Insights
Two HIV-positive children with cryptococcal meningitis, born to HIV-negative parents, were successfully treated. This highlights cryptococcal meningitis as a rare but treatable condition in pediatric HIV.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Mycology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Cryptococcus neoformans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen.
- Cryptococcal meningitis is a severe infection, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
- Pediatric meningitis cases caused by Cryptococcus neoformans are infrequent.
Observation:
- Two cases of pediatric cryptococcal meningitis are presented.
- Both children were positive for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
- Notably, their parents tested non-reactive for HIV.
Findings:
- Treatment with amphotericin B and flucytosine was administered to both patients.
- Both children responded well to the antifungal therapy.
- The patients recovered and are currently in good health.
Implications:
- This case series underscores the importance of considering cryptococcal meningitis in HIV-positive children, even with non-reactive parental HIV status.
- Early diagnosis and appropriate antifungal treatment (amphotericin B and flucytosine) are crucial for favorable outcomes.
- Further research may be warranted to understand transmission dynamics and risk factors in this specific demographic.