What is Cryptococcal Meningitis?
Cryptococcal meningitis is a fungal infection of the membranes covering the brain caused by Cryptococcus neoformans. It usually affects people with severe immune system suppression, especially those with advanced HIV disease, typically when CD4 counts are below 100.
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Symptoms
Symptoms usually develop gradually over 1 to 2 weeks and include:
- Headache
- Fever
- General feeling of being unwell (malaise)
- Confusion
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Stiff neck
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is confirmed by detecting the fungus in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) through:
- Indian Ink staining
- Cryptococcal antigen test in CSF
- Culture of the organism
Management and Treatment
Cryptococcal meningitis requires urgent hospital care and specialist management. Patients should be referred immediately to hospital for appropriate antifungal treatment and supportive care.
