Prevalence of cryptococcal meningitis and lymphadenitis among PLHA

Methods An ongoing prospective study conducted from June 2012October 2013 in 90 HIV seropositive patients presenting with various complaints. CSF and lymphnode aspirates were subjected to preliminary microscopic examination, c (Giemsa staining, mucicarmine staining, negative staining and Gram’s staining). Latex agglutination test was done for CSF samples. Sampls inoculated on SDA at 37C and 25C followed by Bird seed agar (BSA). Identification was done based on demonstration of encapsulated budding yeast cells in microscopy, negative staining with Nigrosin, red capsule on mucicarmine, yeast like creamy mucoid colony on SDA at 37C, brown to black colony on BSA, inositol assimilation and positive urease test.