ð ç« æ«éèš
Cryptococcus
- Encapsulated yeast (India ink halo)
- C. neoformans (worldwide, immunocompromise, HIV) + C. gattii (tropical + Pacific NW; sometimes immunocompetent severe)
Cryptococcal Meningitis
- HIV CD4 < 100 primary risk
- Subacute headache + altered mental status + fever + meningismus + increased ICP
- Diagnosis: serum CrAg (99% sens) + CSF analysis + CSF CrAg + India ink + culture
Treatment 3 Phases
- Induction (2 wk): AmB lipo 4 mg/kg/d + flucytosine 100 mg/kg/d OR single-dose AmB 10 mg/kg (Ambition-cm)
- Consolidation (8 wk): Fluconazole 800 mg/d
- Maintenance: Fluconazole 200 mg/d until immune recovery
Critical Adjuncts
- Repeated LP for high ICP â mortality reduction
- Delay ART 4-6 wk in HIV (COAT trial)
- VP shunt / lumbar drain for refractory ICP
- NO routine steroid (no benefit)
Pre-Emptive
- Serum CrAg screening when CD4 < 100
- Positive asymptomatic + normal LP â fluconazole 800 Ã 14d then 200/d
- WHO recommendation
C. gattii
- Pacific NW USA + Vancouver Island 1999+
- More immunocompetent + cryptococcomas + may need surgery
- Same treatment regimen + longer course
Pulmonary
- Asymptomatic immunocompetent: observation
- Symptomatic: fluconazole 400 Ã 6-12 mo
- Severe / immunocompromise: full Tx
Burden
- #1 cause of HIV-related meningitis worldwide (especially Sub-Saharan Africa)
- 180,000 deaths/yr
- WHO 2024 priorities + access programs
ç§é«åž« hint
- HIV CD4 < 100 + chronic headache â urgent serum CrAg + LP
- Cryptococcal meningitis high ICP â repeated LP + ICP management essential
- Solid organ transplant + chronic headache â cryptococcal workup
- Pacific NW USA traveler + chronic respiratory / neurologic sx â C. gattii consideration