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Updated: Jul 18, 2026

Sequencing of Bacterial Microflora in Peripheral Blood: our Experience with HIV-infected Patients
13:50

Sequencing of Bacterial Microflora in Peripheral Blood: our Experience with HIV-infected Patients

Published on: June 11, 2011

[Bacterial meningitis in HIV patient: think about co-infections!]

J Nadaud1, T Villevieille, P Boulland

  • 1Département d'anesthésie-réanimation-urgences, hôpital d'instruction des Armées-Legouest, avenue de Plantières, BP 10, 57998 Metz-Armées, France.

Annales Francaises D'Anesthesie Et De Reanimation
|December 13, 2006
PubMed

Insights

A case study highlights a co-infection of bacterial meningitis and Cryptococcus neoformans in an HIV-positive patient. Early detection of Cryptococcus neoformans meningitis is crucial for effective treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Bacterial meningitis, particularly from Streptococcus pneumoniae, is a serious infection requiring intensive care.
  • Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection is a significant risk factor for opportunistic infections, including fungal meningitis.

Observation:

  • A 34-year-old African patient presented with bacterial meningitis (Streptococcus pneumoniae) and was admitted to the ICU.
  • On the third day, a co-infection with Cryptococcus neoformans meningitis was diagnosed in the context of an underlying HIV infection.

Findings:

  • India-ink stain for Cryptococcus neoformans in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) demonstrated low sensitivity.
  • Cryptococcal antigen testing and CSF culture showed high sensitivity (≥90%) for detecting Cryptococcus neoformans.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering fungal co-infections in immunocompromised patients with meningitis.
  • Sensitive diagnostic methods like antigen testing and culture are essential for accurate and timely diagnosis of Cryptococcus neoformans meningitis.

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