Preventing Cryptococcosis-Shifting the Paradigm in the Era of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy.

ABSTRACT: Cryptococcosis remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among HIV-infected patients, especially in sub-Saharan Africa where it causes up to 20 % of AIDS-related deaths in HIV programs. A new, highly sensitive, and affordable point of care diagnostic test for cryptococcal infection, the lateral flow assay, can detect early sub-clinical cryptococcosis especially in areas with limited laboratory infrastructure. With a prevalence of detectable sub-clinical cryptococcal infection averaging 7.2 % (95 % CI 6.8-7.6 %) among 36 cohorts with CD4 <100 cells/?L in Africa, together with data showing that preemptive fluconazole prevents overt cryptococcal disease in this population, implementing a screen and treat strategy as part of HIV care practice among patients with CD4 <100 cells/?L could prevent the incidence of often fatal cryptococcal meningitis in the setting of the HIV pandemic.

SUBMITTER: Meya D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4412515 | biostudies-other | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other