Neuromeningeal cryptococcosis in HIV-infected patients in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Introduction: Neuromeningeal cryptococcosis (NMC) is a severe and fatal opportunistic infection. Lethality higher in the absence of treatment, especially HIV co-infection. The objective present study was to determine prevalence, epidemiological, clinical, biological, therapeutic features as well outcome NMC HIV-infected patients. Methods: This retrospective 108 cases diagnosed Data were collected over 36 months (from January 2015 December 2017) at HIV/AIDS Center Excellence Lubumbashi (Democratic Republic Congo). Results: overall prevalence 2.5%. mean age patients 41.5±13.1 years, with 72.2% aged less than 50 years. main clinical symptomatology headache (100%) fever (100%). cytochemical CSF abnormalities hyperproteinorachia (91.9%), hypoglycorachia (94%) hyper-lymphocytosis (98.2%). CD4 count 168.7±137.1/mm3. All treated fluconazole. lethality 43.5%. Conclusion: serious infection patients, case fatality rate remains unacceptable. Management HIV-positive requires early diagnosis, increased access antiretrovirals prompt initiation appropriate treatment.