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Processing of Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid and Matched Blood for Alveolar Macrophage and CD4+ T-cell Immunophenotyping and HIV Reservoir Assessment
Published on: June 23, 2019
A retrospective study of AIDS-associated cryptomeningitis
Ravinder Kaur Sachdeva1, Shivani Randev, Aman Sharma
1Department of Internal Medicine, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India.
AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses
|February 29, 2012
Summary
Cryptococcal meningitis is a significant threat to individuals with AIDS, with a 1.32% incidence in this study. Low CD4 counts strongly correlate with mortality, emphasizing the need for effective management in AIDS care.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
- Public Health
Background:
- Cryptococcal meningitis is a major cause of illness and death in patients with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
- Effective management of cryptococcal infections is crucial for comprehensive AIDS care, particularly in regions like India.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the incidence, clinical presentation, and outcomes of cryptococcal meningitis in HIV-infected individuals.
- To investigate the correlation between antiretroviral treatment (ART) and cryptococcal meningitis, and its impact on mortality.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective analysis of 6900 HIV-infected individuals registered between January 2002 and March 2011.
- Screening of records to identify cases of cryptococcal meningitis and gather data on CD4 counts, ART status, and patient outcomes.
Main Results:
- Cryptococcal meningitis was diagnosed in 91 individuals (1.32%), often as the presenting illness (68 cases).
- A significant majority (74/91) had CD4 counts below 100 cells/mm³ at diagnosis.
- Mortality due to cryptococcal meningitis was 0.54% (37/6900), with lower CD4 counts significantly associated with death.
Conclusions:
- Cryptococcal meningitis remains a critical complication in HIV patients, associated with high mortality.
- Low CD4 counts are a key risk factor for mortality in cryptococcal meningitis.
- The duration of ART did not show a correlation with survival, highlighting the importance of managing opportunistic infections in AIDS care.
