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The value of cryptococcal serum antigen screening among HIV-positive/AIDS patients in Kinshasa, Zaire

P Desmet1, K D Kayembe, C De Vroey

  • 1Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium.

AIDS (London, England)
|February 1, 1989
PubMed

Insights

Routine serum screening for cryptococcal antigen in HIV-positive patients in Central Africa identified 12.2% with infection. Early diagnosis of cryptococcal meningitis can improve outcomes for AIDS patients.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Mycology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Cryptococcal meningitis is a common opportunistic infection in individuals with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
  • Patients in Central Africa often present with advanced cryptococcal disease, leading to a poor prognosis.
  • Earlier diagnosis is crucial for improving outcomes in HIV-infected patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the utility of routine serum cryptococcal antigen screening for early diagnosis in HIV-positive/AIDS patients.
  • To determine the prevalence of cryptococcal antigen in a cohort of HIV-positive patients in Kinshasa, Zaire.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study involving 450 HIV-positive/AIDS patients at Cliniques Universitaires de Kinshasa.
  • Serum samples were screened for cryptococcal antigen between January and August 1988.
  • Cerebrospinal fluid analysis (microscopy and culture) was performed on positive cases.

Main Results:

  • Cryptococcal antigen was detected in 55 (12.2%) of the 450 patients screened.
  • Of the 55 patients with positive serum antigen tests, 44 underwent cerebrospinal fluid analysis.
  • Cryptococcus neoformans was confirmed in 29 (66%) of these 44 patients.

Conclusions:

  • Routine serum cryptococcal antigen screening is effective for identifying HIV-infected patients with potential cryptococcal meningitis.
  • A significant prevalence of cryptococcal antigen was found, highlighting the need for early detection strategies.
  • Implementing screening can aid in earlier diagnosis and potentially improve the prognosis for cryptococcal meningitis in this population.
Keywords:
Acquired Immunodeficiency SyndromeAfricaAfrica South Of The SaharaBacterial And Fungal DiseasesClinical ResearchDeveloping CountriesDiseasesExaminations And DiagnosesFrench Speaking AfricaHematologic TestsHiv InfectionsInfectionsLaboratory Examinations And DiagnosesLaboratory ProceduresMethodological StudiesMiddle AfricaResearch MethodologyViral DiseasesZaire

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