Oral Lipid Nanocrystal Amphotericin B for Cryptococcal Meningitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Amphotericin B is the gold standard treatment for severe mycoses. A new orally delivered, less-toxic formulation of amphotericin has been developed. METHODS: In our randomized clinical trial, we tested oral lipid nanocrystal (LNC) amphotericin B (MAT2203, Matinas Biopharma) vs intravenous (IV) amphotericin for human immunodeficiency virus-associated cryptococcal meningitis in 4 sequential cohorts. Two pilot cohorts assessed safety and tolerability (n = 10 each), and 2 cohorts assessed efficacy with/without 2 IV loading doses (n = 40 each). The experimental arm received 1.8 g/d oral LNC amphotericin through 2 weeks with 100 mg/kg/d flucytosine, then 1.2 g/d LNC amphotericin through 6 weeks. The randomized control arm (n = 41) received 7 days of IV amphotericin with flucytosine, then 7 days of fluconazole 1200 mg/d. The primary end point was cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) early fungicidal activity (EFA). RESULTS: We randomized 80 participants to oral LNC amphotericin + flucytosine with (n = 40) and without (n = 40) 2 IV loading doses and 41 control participants to IV amphotericin + flucytosine. Mean EFA was 0.40 log10 colony-forming units (CFU)/mL/d for all-oral LNC amphotericin, 0.42 log10  Cryptococcus CFU/mL/d for oral LNC amphotericin with IV loading doses, and 0.46 log10 CFU/mL/d for IV amphotericin controls. LNC amphotericin groups achieved 2-week CSF sterility in 63% (44 of 70) vs 68% (23 of 34) of controls. The 18-week survival was 85% (34 of 40) with all-oral LNC amphotericin, 90% (36 of 40) with oral LNC amphotericin given IV loading doses, and 85% (35 of 41) with IV amphotericin.Grade 3-4 laboratory adverse events occurred less frequently in LNC amphotericin groups (41%) than the IV amphotericin group (61%, P = .05), particularly for anemia (21% vs 44%; P = .01) and potassium (5% vs 17%; P = .04). CONCLUSIONS: This new oral amphotericin B LNC formulation appears promising for cryptococcal meningitis with antifungal activity, similar survival, and less toxicity than IV amphotericin. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: NCT04031833.

Outpatient Cryptococcal Antigen Screening Is Associated With Favorable Baseline Characteristics and Improved Survival in Persons With Cryptococcal Meningitis in Uganda.

BACKGROUND: It is unknown whether persons with symptomatic cryptococcal meningitis detected during routine blood cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) screening have better survival than persons presenting with overt meningitis. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled Ugandans with HIV and cryptocococcal meningitis from December 2018 to December 2021. Participants were treated with amphotericin-based combination therapy. We compared outcomes between persons who were CrAg screened then referred to hospital with those presenting directly to the hospital with symptomatic meningitis. RESULTS: Among 489 participants with cryptococcal meningitis, 40% (194/489) received blood CrAg screening and were referred to hospital (median time to referral 2 days; interquartile range [IQR], 1-6). CrAg-screened persons referred to hospital had lower 14-day mortality than non-CrAg-screened persons who presented directly to hospital with symptomatic meningitis (12% vs 21%; hazard ratio, .51; 95% confidence interval, .32-.83; P = .006). Fewer CrAg-screened participants had altered mental status versus non-CrAg-screened participants (29% vs 41%; P = .03). CrAg-screened persons had lower quantitative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture burden (median [IQR], 4570 [11-100 000] vs 26 900 [182-324 000] CFU/mL; P = .01) and lower CSF opening pressures (median [IQR], 190 [120-270] vs 225 [140-340] mmH2O; P = .004) compared with non-CrAg-screened persons. CONCLUSIONS: Survival from cryptococcal meningitis was higher in persons with prior CrAg screening than those without CrAg screening. Altered mental status was the most potent predictor for mortality in a multivariate model. We suggest that CrAg screening detects cryptococcal meningitis at an earlier stage, as evidenced by a favorable baseline risk profile and notably fewer persons with altered mental status.

Evaluation of the Diagnostic Performance of a Semiquantitative Cryptococcal Antigen Point-of-Care Assay among HIV-Infected Persons with Cryptococcal Meningitis.

A newly developed cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) semiquantitative (SQ) lateral flow assay (LFA) provides a semiquantitative result in a rapid one-step test instead of performing serial dilutions to determine CrAg titer. We prospectively compared the diagnostic performance of the CrAgSQ assay (IMMY) with the CrAg LFA (IMMY) on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples collected from persons with HIV-associated meningitis. The CrAgSQ grades (1+ to 5+) were compared with CrAg LFA titers and quantitative CSF fungal cultures. Among 87 participants screened for HIV-associated meningitis, 60 had cryptococcal meningitis (59 CrAg positive [CrAg+] by LFA and 1 false negative due to prozone with CrAg LFA titer of 1:1,310,000 and culture positivity), and 27 had no cryptococcal meningitis by CrAg LFA or culture. The CrAgSQ on CSF had 100% (60/60) sensitivity and 100% specificity (27/27). CSF CrAg titers ranged from 1:5 to 1:42 million. CrAgSQ grades of 1+, 2+, 3+, 4+, and 5+ corresponded to median CrAg LFA titers of 1:<10, 1:60, 1:7,680, 1:81,920, and 1:1,474,000, respectively. CSF CrAgSQ grades 3+ or higher were always CSF culture positive. Mortality at 14 days for those with low CrAgSQ grade (1+ to 3+) was 5% (1/22) versus 21% (8/38) with high CrAgSQ grades (4+ to 5+) (P = 0.084). The CrAgSQ demonstrates excellent diagnostic performance, maintaining both the sensitivity and specificity of the CrAg LFA, and counters false-negative prozone effects. The CrAgSQ assay reading is more complex but does provide useful clinical information about disease burden and probability of culture positivity in a single rapid diagnostic test.

Impact of biological sex on cryptococcal meningitis mortality in Uganda and South Africa.

The role of biological sex on clinical outcomes and the pathogenesis of AIDS-related opportunistic infections is unknown. We assessed baseline biomarkers and outcomes between 577 men and 400 women in HIV-related cryptococcal meningitis cohorts in Uganda and South Africa from 2010 to 2017. We compared 10-week mortality by sex via Cox proportional hazards models. The 10-week mortality for women was 50% (198/400) and 43% (247/577) for men. Women had higher risk of death in an unadjusted model (Hazard Ratio (HR) = 1.20; 95%CI, 1.00-1.45; P = .05). Women maintained a higher risk when adjusting for quantitative CSF culture, altered mental status, CSF pleocytosis, age, and antiretroviral status (HR = 1.31; 95%CI, 1.07-1.59; P < .01). However, after adjusting for hemoglobin, the risk of death did not differ between women and men (HR = 1.17; 95%CI, 0.94-1.45; P = .17). Moderate to severe anemia (hemoglobin < 8.5 g/dL) was present among 16% (55/355) of women and 10% (55/532) of men (P = .02). Of the 373 participants with CSF biomarkers, men had higher median pro- and anti-inflammatory, monocyte/macrophage differentiation, maturation, and migration, immune exhaustion, and cytotoxicity cytokines than women (P < .05). We identified biological sex as proxy for anemia, a potentially modifiable risk factor for cryptococcal meningitis mortality. Immune response may contribute to the multifaceted underlying mechanisms for the discrepancy in mortality based on sex. LAY SUMMARY: We examined the role of biological sex in cryptococcal meningitis mortality in a large cohort. Our findings reveal significant differences in inflammatory markers by biological sex. Women have significantly higher mortality due to cryptococcal meningitis that is attributable to anemia at baseline.

Evaluation of the Dynamiker Cryptococcal Antigen Lateral Flow Assay for the Diagnosis of HIV-Associated Cryptococcosis.

Cryptococcal meningitis is a leading cause of meningitis in sub-Saharan Africa. Given the need for rapid point-of-care testing, we evaluated the diagnostic performance of the Dynamiker cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) lateral flow assay (LFA). We assessed the diagnostic performance of the Dynamiker CrAg LFA compared to the IMMY CrAg LFA as the reference standard. We tested 150 serum, 115 plasma, and 100 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from HIV patients with symptomatic meningitis and 113 serum samples from patients with suspected asymptomatic cryptococcal antigenemia. Compared to the IMMY CrAg LFA, sensitivity of Dynamiker CrAg LFA was 98% in serum, 100% in plasma, 100% in CSF from symptomatic patients and 96% in serum from asymptomatic patients. Specificity was 66% in serum, 61% in plasma, and 91% in CSF from symptomatic patients, and 86% in serum from asymptomatic patients. The positive predictive value was 85% in serum, 82% in plasma, and 96% in CSF from symptomatic patients, and 69% in serum from asymptomatic patients. The negative predictive value was 94% in serum, 100% in plasma, and 100% in CSF from symptomatic patients, and 99% in serum from asymptomatic patients. The interassay reproducibility was 100% across the four sample types with no observed discordant results when Dynamiker CrAg LFA was tested in duplicate. However, a high number of false positives were observed on serum of symptomatic patients (11%), serum of asymptomatic patients (11%) and plasma of symptomatic patients (14%). The Dynamiker CrAg LFA had excellent sensitivity but poor specificity, particularly when tested on serum and plasma.

Cerebrospinal Fluid Lactate as a Prognostic Marker of Disease Severity and Mortality in Cryptococcal Meningitis.

BACKGROUND: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) lactate levels can be used to differentiate between bacterial and viral meningitis. We measured CSF lactate in individuals with cryptococcal meningitis to determine its clinical significance. METHODS: We measured point-of-care CSF lactate at the bedside of 319 Ugandan adults living with human immunodeficiency virus at diagnosis of cryptococcal meningitis. We summarized demographic variables and clinical characteristics by CSF lactate tertiles. We evaluated the association of CSF lactate with clinical characteristics and survival. RESULTS: Individuals with high CSF lactate >5 mmol/L at cryptococcal diagnosis more likely presented with altered mental status (P < .0001), seizures (P = .0005), elevated intracranial opening pressure (P = .03), higher CSF white cells (P = .007), and lower CSF glucose (P = .0003) compared with those with mid-range (3.1 to 5 mmol/L) or low (≤3 mmol/L) CSF lactate levels. Two-week mortality was higher among individuals with high baseline CSF lactate >5 mmol/L (35%; 38 of 109) compared with individuals with mid-range (22%; 25 of 112) or low CSF lactate (9%; 9 of 97; P =<.0001). After multivariate adjustment, CSF lactate >5 mmol/L remained independently associated with excess mortality (adjusted hazard ratio = 3.41; 95% confidence interval, 1.55-7.51; P = .002). We found no correlation between baseline CSF lactate levels and blood capillary lactate levels. CONCLUSIONS: Baseline point-of-care CSF lactate levels are a prognostic marker of disease severity and mortality in cryptococcal meningitis. Individuals with an elevated baseline CSF lactate level are more likely to present with altered mental status, seizures, and elevated CSF opening pressure and are at a greater risk of death. Future studies are needed to determine targeted therapeutic management strategies in persons with high CSF lactate.

Correlation between Blood and CSF Compartment Cytokines and Chemokines in Subjects with Cryptococcal Meningitis.

BACKGROUND: Though peripheral blood is a crucial sample to study immunology, it is unclear whether the immune environment in the peripheral vasculature correlates with that at the end-organ site of infection. Using cryptococcal meningitis as a model, we investigated the correlation between serum and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers over time. METHODS: We analyzed the cerebrospinal fluid and serum of 160 subjects presenting with first episode cryptococcal meningitis for soluble cytokines and chemokines measured by Luminex assay. Specimens were collected at meningitis diagnosis, 1-week, and 2-week post cryptococcal diagnosis. We compared paired samples by Spearman's correlation and the p value was set at <0.01. RESULTS: Of the 21 analytes tested at baseline, there was no correlation detected between nearly all analytes. A weak negative correlation was found between serum and cerebrospinal fluid levels of interferon-gamma (Rho = -0.214; p = .007) and interleukin-4 (Rho = -0.232; p = .003). There was no correlation at 1-week post cryptococcal diagnosis. However, at 2-week post cryptococcal diagnosis, there was a weak positive correlation of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor levels (Rho = 0.25; p = .007) in serum and cerebrospinal fluid. No cytokine or chemokine showed consistent correlation overtime. CONCLUSION: Based on our analysis of 21 biomarkers, serum and cerebrospinal fluid immune responses do not correlate. There appears to be a distinct immune environment in terms of soluble biomarkers in the vasculature versus end-organ site of infection. While this is a model of HIV-related cryptococcal meningitis, we postulate that assuming the blood compartment is representative of the immune function at the end-organ site of infection may not be appropriate.

Cerebrospinal Fluid Early Fungicidal Activity as a Surrogate Endpoint for Cryptococcal Meningitis Survival in Clinical Trials.

BACKGROUND: In cryptococcal meningitis phase 2 clinical trials, early fungicidal activity (EFA) of Cryptococcus clearance from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is used as a surrogate endpoint for all-cause mortality. The Food and Drug Administration allows for using surrogate endpoints for accelerated regulatory approval, but EFA as a surrogate endpoint requires further validation. We examined the relationship between rate of CSF Cryptococcus clearance (EFA) and mortality through 18 weeks. METHODS: We pooled individual-level CSF data from 3 sequential cryptococcal meningitis clinical trials conducted during 2010-2017. All 738 subjects received amphotericin + fluconazole induction therapy and had serial quantitative CSF cultures. The log10-transformed colony-forming units (CFUs) per mL CSF were analyzed by general linear regression versus day of culture over the first 10 days. RESULTS: Mortality through 18 weeks was 37% for EFA > = 0.60 (n = 170), 36% for 0.40-0.59 (n = 182), 39% for 0.30-0.39 (n = 112), 35% for 0.20-0.29 (n = 87), and 50% for those with EFA < 0.20 CFU/mL/day (n = 187). The hazard ratio for 18-week mortality, comparing those with EFA < 0.20 to those with EFA > = 0.20, was 1.60 (95% confidence interval, 1.25, 2.04; P = .002). The lowest EFA group had lower median CD4 T-cell counts (P < .01) and lower proportion of patients with CSF pleocytosis (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: EFA is associated with all-cause mortality in cryptococcal meningitis. An EFA threshold of > = 0.20 log10 CFU/mL/day was associated with similar 18-week mortality (37%) compared to 50% mortality with EFA < 0.20. This EFA threshold may be considered a target for a surrogate endpoint. This builds upon existing studies to validate EFA as a surrogate endpoint.

Pharmacokinetics-pharmacodynamics of sertraline as an antifungal in HIV-infected Ugandans with cryptococcal meningitis.

The ASTRO-CM dose-finding pilot study investigated the role of adjunctive sertraline for the treatment of HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis in HIV-infected Ugandan patients. The present study is a post hoc pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic analysis of the ASTRO-CM pilot study to provide insight into sertraline exposure-response-outcome relationships. We performed a population pharmacokinetic analysis using sertraline plasma concentration data and correlated various predicted PK-PD indices with the percentage change in log10 CFU/mL from baseline. Sertraline clearance was 1.95-fold higher in patients receiving antiretroviral (ART), resulting in 49% lower drug exposure. To quantify the clinical benefit of sertraline, we estimated rates of fungal clearance from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of ASTRO-CM patients using Poisson model and compared the clearance rates to a historical control study (COAT) in which patients received standard Cryptococcus therapy of amphotericin B (0.7-1.0 mg/kg per day) and fluconazole (800 mg/day) without sertraline. Adjunctive sertraline significantly increased CSF fungal clearance rate compared to COAT trial and sertraline effect was dose-independent with no covariate found to affect fungal clearance including ART. Study findings suggest sertraline response could be mediated by different mechanisms than directly inhibiting the initiation of protein translation as previously suggested; this is supported by the prediction of unbound sertraline concentrations is unlikely to reach MIC concentrations in the brain. Study findings also recommend against the use of higher doses of sertraline, especially those greater than the maximum FDA-approved daily dose (200 mg/day), since they unlikely provide any additional benefits and come with greater costs and risk of adverse events.

Adjunctive sertraline for HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis: a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind phase 3 trial.

BACKGROUND: Identifying new antifungals for cryptococcal meningitis is a priority given the inadequacy of current therapy. Sertraline has previously shown in vitro and in vivo activity against cryptococcus. We aimed to assess the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of adjunctive sertraline in adults with HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis compared with placebo. METHODS: In this double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial, we recruited HIV-positive adults with cryptococcal meningitis from two hospitals in Uganda. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive standard therapy with 7-14 days of intravenous amphotericin B (0·7-1·0 mg/kg per day) and oral fluconazole (starting at 800 mg/day) with either adjunctive sertraline or placebo. Sertraline was administered orally or via nasogastric tube at a dose of 400 mg/day for 2 weeks, followed by 200 mg/day for 12 weeks, then tapered off over 3 weeks. The primary endpoint was 18-week survival, analysed by intention-to-treat. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01802385. FINDINGS: Between March 9, 2015, and May 29, 2017, we screened 842 patients with suspected meningitis and enrolled 460 of a planned 550 participants, at which point the trial was stopped for futility. Three patients in the sertraline group and three patients in the placebo group were lost to follow-up and therefore discontinued before study end. At 18 weeks, 120 (52%) of 229 patients in the sertraline group and 106 (46%) of 231 patients in the placebo group had died (hazard ratio 1·21, 95% CI 0·93-1·57; p=0·15). The fungal clearance rate from cerebrospinal fluid was similar between groups (0·43 -log10 CFU/mL per day [95% CI 0·37-0·50] in the sertraline group vs 0·47 -log10 CFU/mL per day [0·40-0·54] in the placebo group; p=0·59), as was occurrence of grade 4 or 5 adverse events (72 [31%] of 229 vs 75 [32%] of 231; p=0·98), most of which were associated with amphotericin B toxicity. INTERPRETATION: Sertraline did not reduce mortality and should not be used to treat patients with HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis. The reasons for sertraline inactivity appear to be multifactorial and might be associated with insufficient duration of therapeutic sertraline concentrations. FUNDING: National Institutes of Health and Medical Research Council, Wellcome Trust.

Cerebrospinal Fluid and Brain Tissue Penetration of Tenofovir, Lamivudine, and Efavirenz in Postmortem Tissues with Cryptococcal Meningitis.

The central nervous system (CNS) is a known HIV reservoir, yet little is known about drug exposure in the brain. Our primary objective was to quantify exposure of three common antiretrovirals in brain tissue and compare exposures to plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). We also sought to identify pockets of brain most vulnerable to inadequate drug exposures and examine the role of meningitis in drug penetration into the CNS. Tenofovir, lamivudine, and efavirenz concentrations were measured using liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry in plasma and CSF from 14 individuals with HIV, 7 with cryptococcal meningitis. In four individuals (three with meningitis) drug concentrations were also measured in 13 distinct brain tissue regions. In subjects with meningitis, geometric mean ratio (95% confidence interval) of tenofovir CSF to plasma was 66% (7-598%) and 14% (6-31%) in subjects without meningitis. Lamivudine CSF penetration was 100% (25-409%) in subjects with meningitis and 30% (24-37%) in subjects without meningitis. Tenofovir brain tissue concentrations were 36% (14-124%) of plasma and 49% (1-572%) of CSF. Lamivudine brain concentrations were 37% (23-64%) of plasma and 27% (1-104%) of CSF. Efavirenz brain tissue concentrations were 128% (108-179%) of plasma. Tissues collected postmortem provide a unique opportunity to assess drug distribution in tissues difficult to sample in living subjects. CSF is a poor surrogate for drug exposure throughout the CNS. Antiretrovirals differentially penetrate into the CNS and penetration may be enhanced by meningitis.

Management of amphotericin-induced phlebitis among HIV patients with cryptococcal meningitis in a resource-limited setting: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Amphotericin-induced phlebitis is a common infusion-related reaction in patients managed for cryptococcal meningitis. High-quality nursing care is critical component to successful cryptococcosis treatment. We highlight the magnitude and main approaches in the management of amphotericin-induced phlebitis and the challenges faced in resource-limited settings. METHODS: We prospectively determined the incidence of amphotericin-induced phlebitis during clinical trials in Kampala, Uganda from 2013 to 2018. We relate practical strategies and challenges faced in clinical management of phlebitis. RESULTS: Overall, 696 participants were diagnosed with HIV-related cryptococcal meningitis. Participants received 7-14 doses of intravenous (IV) amphotericin B deoxycholate 0.7-1.0 mg/kg/day for induction therapy through peripheral IV lines at a concentration of 0.1 mg/mL in 5% dextrose. Overall, 18% (125/696) developed amphotericin-induced phlebitis. We used four strategies to minimize/prevent the occurrence of phlebitis. First, after every dose of amphotericin, we gave one liter of intravenous normal saline. Second, we rotated IV catheters every three days. Third, we infused IV amphotericin over 4 h. Finally, early ambulation was encouraged to minimize phlebitis. To alleviate phlebitis symptoms, warm compresses were used. In severe cases, treatment included topical diclofenac gel and oral anti-inflammatory medicines. Antibiotics were used only when definite signs of infection developed. Patient/caregivers' education was vital in implementing these management strategies. Major challenges included implementing these interventions in participants with altered mental status and limited access to topical and oral anti-inflammatory medicines in resource-limited settings. CONCLUSIONS: Amphotericin-induced phlebitis is common with amphotericin, yet phlebitis is a preventable complication even in resource-limited settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The ASTRO-CM trial was registered prospectively. ClincalTrials.gov : NCT01802385 ; Registration date: March 1, 2013; Last verified: February 14, 2018.

HIV-Associated Cryptococcal Meningitis Occurring at Relatively Higher CD4 Counts.

BACKGROUND: Cryptococcal meningitis can occur in persons with less-apparent immunosuppression. We evaluated clinical characteristics and outcomes of persons with HIV-related Cryptococcus presenting with higher CD4 counts. METHODS: We enrolled 736 participants from 2 prospective cohorts in Uganda and South Africa from November 2010 to May 2017. We compared participants with CD4 <50, 50-99, or ≥100 cells/µL by clinical characteristics, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) parameters, and 18-week survival. RESULTS: Among first episode of cryptococcosis, 9% presented with CD4 ≥100 cells/µL. Participants with CD4 ≥100 cells/µL presented more often with altered mental status (52% vs 39%; P = .03) despite a 10-fold lower initial median CSF fungal burden of 7850 (interquartile range [IQR] 860-65500) versus 79000 (IQR 7400-380000) colony forming units/mL (P < .001). Participants with CD4 ≥100 cells/µL had higher median CSF levels of interferon-gamma, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and IL-13, and lower monocyte chemokine, CCL2 (P < .01 for each). Death within 18 weeks occurred in 47% with CD4 <50, 35% with CD4 50-99, and 40% with CD4 ≥100 cells/µL (P = .04). CONCLUSION: HIV-infected individuals developing cryptococcal meningitis with CD4 ≥100 cells/µL presented more frequently with altered mental status despite having 10-fold lower fungal burden and with greater Th2 (IL-13) immune response. Higher CD4 count was protective despite an increased propensity for immune-mediated damage, consistent with damage-response framework. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01075152 and NCT01802385.

Symptomatic Cryptococcal Antigenemia Presenting as Early Cryptococcal Meningitis With Negative Cerebral Spinal Fluid Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Individuals with cryptococcal antigenemia are at high risk of developing cryptococcal meningitis if untreated. The progression and timing from asymptomatic infection to cryptococcal meningitis is unclear. We describe a subpopulation of individuals with neurologic symptomatic cryptococcal antigenemia but negative cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) studies. METHODS: We evaluated 1201 human immunodeficiency virus-seropositive individuals hospitalized with suspected meningitis in Kampala and Mbarara, Uganda. Baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes of participants with neurologic-symptomatic cryptococcal antigenemia and negative CSF cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) were compared to participants with confirmed CSF CrAg+ cryptococcal meningitis. Additional CSF testing included microscopy, fungal culture, bacterial culture, tuberculosis culture, multiplex FilmArray polymerase chain reaction (PCR; Biofire), and Xpert MTB/Rif. RESULTS: We found 56% (671/1201) of participants had confirmed CSF CrAg+ cryptococcal meningitis and 4% (54/1201) had neurologic symptomatic cryptococcal antigenemia with negative CSF CrAg. Of those with negative CSF CrAg, 9% (5/54) had Cryptococcus isolated on CSF culture (n = 3) or PCR (n = 2) and 11% (6/54) had confirmed tuberculous meningitis. CSF CrAg-negative patients had lower proportions with CSF pleocytosis (16% vs 26% with ≥5 white cells/µL) and CSF opening pressure >200 mmH2O (16% vs 71%) compared with CSF CrAg-positive patients. No cases of bacterial or viral meningitis were detected by CSF PCR or culture. In-hospital mortality was similar between symptomatic cryptococcal antigenemia (32%) and cryptococcal meningitis (31%; P = .91). CONCLUSIONS: Cryptococcal antigenemia with meningitis symptoms was the third most common meningitis etiology. We postulate this is early cryptococcal meningoencephalitis. Fluconazole monotherapy was suboptimal despite Cryptococcus-negative CSF. Further studies are warranted to understand the clinical course and optimal management of this distinct entity. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: NCT01802385.

Evaluation of trypan blue stain in the TC20 automated cell counter as a point-of-care for the enumeration of viable cryptococcal cells in cerebrospinal fluid.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture can determine a quantitative viability of Cryptococcus yeasts; however, culture has a long turnaround-time. The TC20 automated cell counter (Bio-Rad) is a benchtop instrument used to count cells in 30 seconds. In vitro studies suggest trypan blue staining can distinguish between viable and dead cryptococcal yeasts. We hypothesized that trypan blue staining with automated cell counting may provide rapid quantification of viable CSF Cryptococcus yeasts. In sum, 96 HIV-infected participants with cryptococcal meningitis were enrolled and provided 194 CSF specimens in Kampala, Uganda. Cryptococcosis was diagnosed by CSF cryptococcal antigen (CRAG). CSF was stained with trypan blue and quantified yeasts with the TC20 cell counter. We compared the log10 transformed cell counter readings with gating of 4-10 µm versus log10 quantitative Cryptococcus cultures/ml. TC20 showed more positive results (95.4%) overall than culture (78.4%) with reference to CSF CRAG. TC20 had higher readings compared to culture in most cases with only a 25% level of agreement between the two methods. TC20 had a poor correlation to culture throughout the 14 days of antifungal therapy. The median of log10 transformed counts were 5.22 (IQR = 4.79-5.44) for the TC20 and 3.99 (IQR = 2.59-5.14) for culture. Overall, a linear regression showed no significant relationship between the TC20 and culture (r = -0.0025; P = .92). TC20 automated cell counting with trypan blue staining was poorly predictive of the quantitative CSF culture and could not be used as a substitute for quantitative culture.

Neurocognitive function in HIV-infected persons with asymptomatic cryptococcal antigenemia: a comparison of three prospective cohorts.

BACKGROUND: HIV-infected persons with detectable cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) in blood have increased morbidity and mortality compared with HIV-infected persons who are CrAg-negative. This study examined neurocognitive function among persons with asymptomatic cryptococcal antigenemia. METHODS: Participants from three prospective HIV cohorts underwent neurocognitive testing at the time of antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation. Cohorts included persons with cryptococcal meningitis (N = 90), asymptomatic CrAg + (N = 87), and HIV-infected persons without central nervous system infection (N = 125). Z-scores for each neurocognitive test were calculated relative to an HIV-negative Ugandan population with a composite quantitative neurocognitive performance Z-score (QNPZ-8) created from eight tested domains. Neurocognitive function was measured pre-ART for all three cohorts and additionally after 4 weeks of ART (and 6 weeks of pre-emptive fluconazole) treatment among asymptomatic CrAg + participants. RESULTS: Cryptococcal meningitis and asymptomatic CrAg + participants had lower median CD4 counts (17 and 26 cells/µL, respectively) than the HIV-infected control cohort (233 cells/µL) as well as lower Karnofsky performance status (60 and 70 vs. 90, respectively). The composite QNPZ-8 for asymptomatic CrAg + (-1.80 Z-score) fell between the cryptococcal meningitis cohort (-2.22 Z-score, P = 0.02) and HIV-infected controls (-1.36, P = 0.003). After four weeks of ART and six weeks of fluconazole, the asymptomatic CrAg + cohort neurocognitive performance improved (-1.0 Z-score, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Significant deficits in neurocognitive function were identified in asymptomatic CrAg + persons with advanced HIV/AIDS even without signs or sequelae of meningitis. Neurocognitive function in this group improves over time after initiation of pre-emptive fluconazole treatment and ART, but short term adherence support may be necessary.

Differences in Immunologic Factors Among Patients Presenting with Altered Mental Status During Cryptococcal Meningitis.

Altered mental status in cryptococcal meningitis results in poorer survival, but underlying causes of altered mentation are poorly understood. Within two clinical trials, we assessed risk factors for altered mental status (GCS score<15) considering baseline clinical characteristics, CSF cytokines/chemokines, and antiretroviral therapy. Among 326 enrolled participants, 97 (30%) had GCS<15 and these patients had lower median CSF cryptococcal antigen titers (P = .042) and CCL2 (P = .005) but higher opening pressures (320 vs. 269 mm H2O; P = .016), IL-10 (P = .044), and CCL3 (P = .008) compared with persons with GCS=15. Altered mental status may be associated with host immune response rather than Cryptococcus burden.

Efficacy of adjunctive sertraline for the treatment of HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis: an open-label dose-ranging study.

BACKGROUND: Cryptococcus is the most common cause of adult meningitis in Africa. We assessed the safety and microbiological efficacy of adjunctive sertraline, previously shown to have in-vitro and in-vivo activity against cryptococcus. METHODS: In this open-label dose-finding study, we recruited HIV-infected individuals with cryptococcal meningitis who presented to Mulago Hospital in Kampala, Uganda between Aug 14, 2013, and Aug 30, 2014. To assess safety and tolerability, the first 60 participants were given sertraline at escalating doses of 100 mg/day, 200 mg/day, 300 mg/day, or 400 mg/day as induction therapy for 2 weeks, followed by consolidation therapy with 200 mg/day for an additional 8 weeks. From Nov 29, 2013, participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive open-label sertraline at predetermined doses of 200 mg/day, 300 mg/day, or 400 mg/day as induction therapy for 2 weeks, followed by consolidation therapy with 200 mg/day for 8 weeks. Dose assignment was made via computer-generated, permuted block randomisation stratified by antiretroviral therapy (ART) status for people with a first episode of meningitis. The primary outcome was 2-week cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) clearance rate of cryptococcus, termed early fungicidal activity, measured in patients with a first episode of culture-positive meningitis and two or more CSF cultures. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01802385. FINDINGS: Of the 330 individuals assessed, 172 HIV-infected adults with cryptococcal meningitis were enrolled. We gave 100 mg/day sertraline to 17 patients, 200 mg/day to 12 patients, 300 mg/day to 14 patients, and 400 mg/day to 17 patients. 112 participants were randomly assigned to receive sertraline at 200 mg (n=48), 300 mg (n=36), or 400 mg (n=28) daily for the first 2 weeks, and 200 mg/day thereafter. The final population consisted of 17 participants in the 100 mg group, 60 in the 200 mg group, 50 in the 300 mg group, and 45 in the 400 mg in group. Participants receiving any sertraline dose averaged a CSF clearance rate of -0·37 colony forming units per mL per day (95% CI -0·41 to -0·33). Incidence of paradoxical immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome was 5% (two of 43 newly starting ART) and no cases of relapse occurred over the 12-week study period. 38 (22%) of 172 participants had died at 2 weeks, and 69 (40%) had died at 12 weeks. Six grade 4 adverse events occurred in 17 participants receiving 100 mg, 14 events in 60 participants receiving 200 mg, 19 events in 50 participants receiving 300 mg, and eight events in 45 participants receiving 400 mg. Grade 4 or 5 adverse event risk did not differ between current US Food and Drug Administration-approved dosing of 100-200 mg/day and higher doses of 300-400 mg/day (hazard ratio 1·27, 95% CI 0·69-2·32; p=0·45). INTERPRETATION: Participants receiving sertraline had faster cryptococcal CSF clearance and a lower incidence of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome and relapse than that reported in the past. This inexpensive and off-patent oral medication is a promising adjunctive antifungal therapy. FUNDING: National Institutes of Health, Grand Challenges Canada.

Human Immune Response Varies by the Degree of Relative Cryptococcal Antigen Shedding.

Background. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cryptococcal glucuronoxylomannan antigen (CrAg) titers generally correlate with quantitative fungal culture burden; however, correlation is not precise. Some patients have higher CrAg titers with lower fungal burdens and vice versa. We hypothesized that the relative discordancy between CrAg titer and quantitative culture burden reflects the relative degree of CrAg shedding by Cryptococcus neoformans and is associated with human immune responses. Methods. One hundred ninety human immunodeficiency virus-infected individuals with cryptococcal meningitis were enrolled in Uganda and South Africa. We compared initial CSF CrAg titers relative to their CSF quantitative cultures to determine low (n = 58), intermediate (n = 68), or high (n = 64) CrAg shedders. We compared cytokines measured by Luminex multiplex assay on cryopreserved CSF and 10-week mortality across shedding groups using linear and logistic regression and distribution of genotypes by multilocus sequence typing. Results. The relative degree of CrAg shedding was positively associated with increasing CSF levels of the following: interleukin (IL)-6, IL-7, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor-α (each P < 0.01), which are all secreted by antigen-presenting cells and negatively associated with vascular endothelial growth factor (P = .01). In addition, IL-5, IL-13, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, and macrophage chemotactic protein were decreased in low-CrAg shedders compared with intermediate shedders (each P ≤ .01). Type 1 T-helper cells (Th1) cytokine responses and 10-week mortality did not differ between the shedding groups. Cryptococcal genotypes were equally distributed across shedding groups. Conclusions. Discordancy between CrAg shedding and expected shedding based on quantitative fungal burden is associated with detectable immunologic differences in CSF, primarily among secreted cytokines and chemokines produced by antigen-presenting cells and Th2.

Reproducibility of CSF quantitative culture methods for estimating rate of clearance in cryptococcal meningitis.

Quantitative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cultures provide a measure of disease severity in cryptococcal meningitis. The fungal clearance rate by quantitative cultures has become a primary endpoint for phase II clinical trials. This study determined the inter-assay accuracy of three different quantitative culture methodologies. Among 91 participants with meningitis symptoms in Kampala, Uganda, during August-November 2013, 305 CSF samples were prospectively collected from patients at multiple time points during treatment. Samples were simultaneously cultured by three methods: (1) St. George's 100 mcl input volume of CSF with five 1:10 serial dilutions, (2) AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) method using 1000, 100, 10 mcl input volumes, and two 1:100 dilutions with 100 and 10 mcl input volume per dilution on seven agar plates; and (3) 10 mcl calibrated loop of undiluted and 1:100 diluted CSF (loop). Quantitative culture values did not statistically differ between St. George-ACTG methods (P= .09) but did for St. George-10 mcl loop (P< .001). Repeated measures pairwise correlation between any of the methods was high (r≥0.88). For detecting sterility, the ACTG-method had the highest negative predictive value of 97% (91% St. George, 60% loop), but the ACTG-method had occasional (∼10%) difficulties in quantification due to colony clumping. For CSF clearance rate, St. George-ACTG methods did not differ overall (mean -0.05 ± 0.07 log10CFU/ml/day;P= .14) on a group level; however, individual-level clearance varied. The St. George and ACTG quantitative CSF culture methods produced comparable but not identical results. Quantitative cultures can inform treatment management strategies.