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08:24
Size Matters: Measurement of Capsule Diameter in Cryptococcus neoformans
Published on: February 27, 2018
Clinical and microbiological features of cryptococcal meningitis
Lúcia Kioko Hasimoto e Souza1, Carolina Rodrigues Costa, Orionalda de Fátima Lisboa Fernandes
1Laboratório de Micologia, Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goias, Goiânia, GO, Brazil. lucia@padrao.com.br
Revista Da Sociedade Brasileira De Medicina Tropical
|July 17, 2013
Summary
Cryptococcosis, particularly in HIV patients, shows high mortality in Brazil. Molecular analysis identified Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii, highlighting the need for epidemiological data.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Cryptococcosis is a serious fungal infection with significant clinical impact.
- Understanding its epidemiology and clinical presentation is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical features, underlying diseases, and outcomes of cryptococcosis patients.
- To perform molecular analysis of Cryptococcus neoformans species complex isolates.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 62 cryptococcosis cases (2009-2010) in Goiás, Brazil.
- Diagnosis via direct examination and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture.
- Molecular identification using PCR fingerprinting and phenotypic tests.
Main Results:
- 67 (94.4%) isolates were C. neoformans var. grubii/VNI, 4 (5.6%) were C. gattii/VGII.
- 53 patients had HIV; incidence higher in males aged 20-40.
- Mortality rate was 48.4%, with symptoms including altered sensorium, headache, fever, and stiff neck.
Conclusions:
- High morbidity and mortality underscore the importance of epidemiological data for cryptococcosis in Goiás.
- Findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions and improved patient care.
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