Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 19, 2026

A Retrospective Study on Endoscopic Surgery for the Treatment of Paravertebral Abscess in Spinal Tuberculosis Patients
03:47

A Retrospective Study on Endoscopic Surgery for the Treatment of Paravertebral Abscess in Spinal Tuberculosis Patients

Published on: October 25, 2024

771

Changing paradigm of cryptococcal meningitis: an eight-year experience from a tertiary hospital in South India

K P P Abhilash1, S Mitra, J J J Arul

  • 1Department of General Medicine, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India.

Indian Journal of Medical Microbiology
|January 7, 2015
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is a serious fungal infection. HIV-infected patients with CM experienced a higher mortality rate compared to HIV-uninfected individuals, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Mycology
  • Immunocompromised Hosts

Background:

  • Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is a significant opportunistic fungal infection.
  • CM presents as sub-acute meningitis with high morbidity and mortality.
  • This study compares CM presentation and outcomes in HIV-infected versus HIV-uninfected patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To delineate differences in clinical presentation of CM between HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected individuals.
  • To compare the outcomes of CM in HIV-infected versus HIV-uninfected patients.
  • To analyze diagnostic yields and risk factors associated with CM in different patient groups.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of patients with confirmed CM admitted between 2005 and 2013.
  • Data collected included clinical presentation, laboratory findings, treatment, and outcomes.
  • Statistical analysis compared characteristics and outcomes between HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected groups.

Main Results:

  • CM predominantly affected HIV-infected individuals (87.2%).
  • HIV-infected patients were younger and presented with shorter symptom duration.
  • Case fatality rate was significantly higher in HIV-infected patients (30.6%) versus none in HIV-uninfected patients.

Conclusions:

  • HIV-infected patients with CM face a poorer prognosis.
  • Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial for improving CM outcomes.
  • Trends indicate improving treatment success rates over time, emphasizing timely intervention.

More Related Videos

Sequencing of Bacterial Microflora in Peripheral Blood: our Experience with HIV-infected Patients13:50

Sequencing of Bacterial Microflora in Peripheral Blood: our Experience with HIV-infected Patients

Published on: June 11, 2011

12.8K

Related Concept Videos

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
3
Viral Meningitis01:18

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
160
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
2
Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV01:26

Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV

Tuberculosis, more commonly referred to as TB, is an infectious disease stemming from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While it primarily impacts the lungs, TB can also affect other body areas. Given its severity and global impact, timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial for controlling its spread and improving patient outcomes.
Several diagnostic approaches are used to detect TB. The conventional method is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test. However, this method has...
758
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I01:29

Pulmonary Tuberculosis I

Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
1.6K
Pulmonary Tuberculosis II01:28

Pulmonary Tuberculosis II

Tuberculosis, or TB, is a bacterial infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While its primary impact is on the lungs, leading to pulmonary tuberculosis, it can also affect various other organs, a condition referred to as extrapulmonary tuberculosis.
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
2.4K