[Cryptococcosis in AIDS: therapeutic concepts]

Cryptococcosis is the most common life-threatening mycosis with AIDS. The combination therapy based on amphotericin B and flucytosine is furthermore the therapy of first choice, even after introduction of fluconazole. With a therapy maintained over a period of 6 weeks the combination is nearly always successful; a shorter treatment period leads to minor treatment success. Since no elimination of the pathogen is possible in cryptococcosis with AIDS a permanent relapse prevention is necessary. In this prevention strategy fluconazole is highly effective and at present the drug of first choice; it is as effective as amphotericin B. An additional advantage is the possibility of oral application.