A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY OF CRYPTOCOCCAL ANTIGENEMIA IN ANTI-RETROVIRAL NAIVE HIV INFECTED PATIENTS
Journal Title: Journal of Evolution of Medical and Dental Sciences - Year 2017, Vol 6, Issue 90
Abstract
BACKGROUND Identification and treatment of opportunistic infections in HIV positive patients is as important as antiretroviral therapy (ART) in improving quality of life and increasing their survival. Despite the widespread use of ART, Cryptococcus remains a significant pathogen among persons infected with HIV. Screening for this fungus will prevent morbidity, mortality and immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). The aim of this study was to screen for Cryptococcus neoformans antigen in the sera of ART naive HIV seropositive patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 100 antiretroviral naive HIV positive adults were enrolled in this prospective cross-sectional study. This study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in Tamilnadu from September 2012 to September 2013. After obtaining written informed consent, serum samples were collected and screened for Cryptococcus neoformans antigen using latex agglutination antigen detection kit (CALAS, USA) as per manufacturer’s instructions. Basic demographics such as age, sex and CD4 counts were recorded. RESULTS Among the 100 HIV positive adults enrolled, 56% were males and 44% were females. Their age ranged from 20 - 70 years with a mean of 40 years; 15% were positive for cryptococcal antigen. Almost 40% of HIV patients with Cryptococcal antigenemia had CD4 counts below 350 cells/mm3. CONCLUSION Cryptococcal antigen screening among ART naive HIV positive patients will help in reducing the morbidity and mortality. Early detection and treatment may be the most cost-effective and easily implemented approach to improve the clinical outcomes.
Authors and Affiliations
Saramma Mini Jacob, Sekkizhar Geethalakshm, Fatima Bathoo Rani, Sivasangeetha Karthikeyan, Thatchinamoorthy Gopal, Sathishkumar Elumalai
Keywords
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- EP ID EP278250
- DOI 10.14260/jemds/2017/1377
- Views 60
- Downloads 0
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