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Current HIV Research

Author(s): Maurimelia M. da Costa, Lucimar di Paula Madeira, Rosimar N.M. Feitosa, Marluísa de Oliveira G. Ishak, Ricardo Ishak, Silvia H.M. da Silva and Antonio C.R. Vallinoto

DOI: 10.2174/1570162X12666140311125420

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Detection of Cryptococcus neoformans Capsular Antigen in HIV-Infected Patients in the State of Para in the North of Brazil

Page: [647 - 651] Pages: 5

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Abstract

Cryptococcus neoformans is an important cause of morbidity in HIV-infected patients worldwide. In the northern region of Brazil, the prevalence of this infection is poorly known due to a lack of systematic investigations. This study aimed to determine the occurrence of cryptococcosis by detecting antigenaemia in HIV-infected patients in the State of Pará, Brazil. A latex Cryptococcus antigen detection kit was used to test 418 serum samples from HIV-infected patients seen at two Infectious Disease Specialized Units in the State of Pará. The C. neoformans antigenaemia prevalence was 2.6%, and titres reached 1:8. The cases occurred mainly in asymptomatic females, and 45% presented CD4+ T lymphocyte counts of fewer than 200 cells/mm3. These results show the importance of early C. neoformans antigenaemia detection to prevent fungal disease.

Keywords: Cryptococcus neoformans, HIV-1/AIDS, latex agglutination test.