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Current status of cryptococcosis in Canada
A S Sekhon1, S N Bannerjee, B M Mielke
1National Reference Centre for Human Mycotic Diseases, Provincial Laboratory of Public Health, Edmonton, Canada.
Mycoses
|February 1, 1990
Summary
This study diagnosed 91 cases of cryptococcosis in Canada, predominantly in Quebec. Infections affected both healthy and immunocompromised individuals, including those with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Cryptococcosis, a fungal infection caused by Cryptococcus neoformans, presents diagnostic challenges.
- This study reviews cryptococcosis cases diagnosed in Canada from 1953 to the present.
Observation:
- A total of 91 cases were diagnosed across various forms: cutaneous, pulmonary, meningeal, and disseminated.
- The majority of cases (43%) were reported in Quebec, with other provinces also affected.
- Nearly 25% of infections occurred in individuals with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Findings:
- Cryptococcus neoformans infections were observed in both debilitated and non-debilitated individuals.
- High titers of cryptococcal antigen (up to 1:32,768) were detected in some AIDS patients using the latex agglutination (LA) test.
- The infection was more prevalent in males, with 11 fatal outcomes reported.
Implications:
- The incidence of cryptococcosis in Canada may be underestimated due to the lack of mandatory reporting.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial, especially in immunocompromised populations.
- Further epidemiological studies are needed to ascertain the true burden of cryptococcosis in Canada.