Cryptococcus gattii infection: characteristics and epidemiology of cases identified in a South African province with high HIV seroprevalence, 2002-2004

Clin Infect Dis. 2006 Oct 15;43(8):1077-80. doi: 10.1086/507897. Epub 2006 Sep 5.

Abstract

We describe 46 Cryptococcus gattii-infected persons identified by population-based surveillance conducted in South Africa. Most patients with C. gattii infection presented with meningitis. The mortality rate during hospitalization was 36%. We found no significant differences between persons with and persons without C. gattii infection with regard to clinical presentation, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome diagnosis, concomitant conditions, or prior opportunistic infections. C. gattii isolates had low MICs to the tested antifungal drugs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Cryptococcus / classification*
  • Female
  • HIV Seroprevalence*
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host
  • Male
  • Mass Screening / methods
  • Meningitis, Cryptococcal / drug therapy
  • Meningitis, Cryptococcal / epidemiology*
  • Meningitis, Cryptococcal / microbiology
  • Middle Aged
  • Sentinel Surveillance
  • South Africa / epidemiology