Meningitis - cryptococcal

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Central nervous system

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Meningitis - cryptococcal

• Headache
• Fever
• Nausea and vomiting
• Stiff neck
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• Mental status change
• Hallucinations

In order to diagnose cryptococcal meningitis, a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) must be performed. This test involves taking a sample of fluid from the spinal column (called cerebrospinal fluid or CSF). The following tests on the CSF allow the diagnosis of cryptococcal meningitis:

• CSF stains may show the yeast
• CSF culture grows cryptococcus
• CSF may be positive for cryptococcus antigen

Also, a blood test, the serum cryptococcal antigen test, can be sensitive in diagnosing cryptococcus infection, especially in AIDS patients.

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