Microscopic detection of Cryptococcus in the cerebrospinal fluid as the first symptom of the advanced stage of AIDS – a case study

Czech version

Authors: M. Dastych ¹; Z. Čermáková ¹; P. Štourač ³; A. Ševčíková ²; I. Kocmanová ²; S. Snopková ⁴
Authors‘ workplace: Oddělení klinické biochemie a hematologie FN Brno a Katedra laboratorních metod LF MU ¹; Oddělení klinické mikrobiologie FN Brno ²; Neurologická klinika FN Brno a LF MU ³; Klinika infekčních chorob FN Brno a LF MU ⁴
Published in: Cesk Slov Neurol N 2008; 71/104(1): 93-96
Category: Case Report

Overview

Opportune infections may be the first serious symptom pointing to the underlying disease in persons with T lymphocyte immunodeficiency. The case study describes the occurrence of Cryptococcus meningitis as the first symptom of advanced HIV/AIDS disease. The diagnosis resulted from a rigorous cytological examination of the cerebrospinal fluid. The microscopic finding was confirmed by a latex test and cultivation with massive growth of Cryptococcus neoformans. Subsequently, HIV/AIDS was diagnosed, with anamnestically documented risk homosexual and heterosexual activit.

Key words:
cryptococcal meningitis – opportunistic infections – cerebrospinal fluid – HIV/AIDS

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