Prevalence of Cryptococcal Meningitis amongst Hiv Seropositive Cases from a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: Cryptococcal meningitis has emerged as an important opportunistic central nervous system (CNS) infection in Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive patients. It is associated with a high mortality rate hence early diagnosis is necessary to improve the prognosis. Objectives: This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of cryptococcal meningitis in HIV seropositive cases as well as to determine the correlation with CD4 counts. Methods: A total of 50 patients suspected to be suffering from chronic meningitis were subjected to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis (including India ink preparation, culture by conventional methods and antigen detection). Results: The prevalence of cryptococcal meningitis in this study was 30%. Outcome was fatal in 6/15 cases showing a mortality rate of 40 percent. The patients with CD4 count < 50 cells/ul had highest mortaliy rate i.e. 50%. Conclusion: High prevalence and mortality rate of cryptococcal meningitis in HIV-infected patients require a high index of suspicion and routine mycological surveillance to establish an early diagnosis and appropriate management.