A fatal case of AIDS-defining meningoencephalitis by <it>C. Neoformans</it>, sensitive to antifungal therapy

Abstract

Abstract Cryptococcus neoformans is the most common cause of life threatening meningoencephalitis in HIV-infected patients. Diagnosis is based on tests for cryptoccocal antigen in serum and cerebrospinal fluid, and on culture of the organism. We present a case of AIDS-related cryptococcal meningoencephalitis unresponsive to antifungal combination therapy, despite of evidence of fungal susceptibility in vitro. Significant decreases in cryptococcal antigen titers in serum and cerebrospinal fluid did not correlate with progress in disease and fatal outcome.

Keywords

• Cryptococcal meningitis
• HIV
• antifungal therapy
• cryptoccocal antigen assay