Cryptococcal meningitis in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, 1994-2004

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Cryptococcal meningitis is a significant opportunistic infection, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems.
• Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a major predisposing factor for cryptococcal meningitis.
• Understanding the epidemiology of this disease is crucial for public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the incidence and characteristics of cryptococcal meningitis cases in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil.
• To analyze epidemiological trends from 1994 to 2004.
• To identify underlying conditions and case-fatality rates associated with cryptococcal meningitis.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of reported cryptococcal meningitis cases in Rio de Janeiro State.
• Data collection covering the period 1994–2004.
• Calculation of incidence rates and demographic/clinical characteristics.

Main Results:

• 696 cases of cryptococcal meningitis were reported, with a mean incidence of 0.45 per 100,000 inhabitants.
• Patients were predominantly male, with a mean age of 35.9 years.
• Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) was the primary underlying disease (61.2%), and the case-fatality rate was 51.8%.
• No significant decline in incidence was observed during the study period.

Conclusions:

• The epidemiology of cryptococcal meningitis in Rio de Janeiro is strongly associated with AIDS, reflecting the profile of HIV infection.
• The high case-fatality rate underscores the severity of this opportunistic infection.
• Further research is needed to evaluate other potential underlying diseases due to missing information.