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Infectio
Print version ISSN 0123-9392
Abstract
NOGUERA-ANGARITA, María C. et al. Cryptococcus early antigenemia in HIV positive asymptomatic patients in Barranquilla, Colombia. Infect. [online]. 2021, vol.25, n.3, pp.159-162. Epub May 15, 2021. ISSN 0123-9392. https://doi.org/10.22354/in.v25i3.940.
Meningeal cryptococcosis presents high levels of global mortality, especially in the HIV/AIDS population. The WHO recommends detecting the capsular antigen as an important strategy for early diagnosis and be able to minimize complications.
Objective:
Perform early cryptococcal antigenemia by immunochromatographic/ lateral flow assay in asymptomatic HIV+ patients.
Material and method:
descriptive observational study; between July-2016 and May-2019, serum samples from 169 asymptomatic HIV+ patients with CD4 ≤120 cells/μL were processed by lateral flow assay in Barranquilla, Colombia. Given a positive result, prophylaxis with fluconazole was indicated; all cases were followed up.
Results:
antigenemia was positive in five (2.96%) patients; one died; four received prophylaxis, and the test turned negative in two. The patients with an initial negative result, did not developed symptoms compatible with this mycosis during the study period.
Discussion:
lateral flow assay for Cryptococcus is recommended for the early diagnosis of cryptococcosis in the HIV/AIDS population.
Conclusion:
early detection of circulating Cryptococcus antigen by lateral flow assay in HIV+ patients allowed the establishment of timely prophylaxis, follow-up, and control to reduce mortality associated with meningeal cryptococcosis.
Keywords : early antigenemia; CrAg-LFA; lateral flow assay-LFA; immunochromatography.
