Strategies to reduce mortality and morbidity due to AIDS-related cryptococcal meningitis in Latin America
Braz. j. infect. dis
; 17(3): 353-362, May-June 2013. ilus, tab
Article
in En
| LILACS, SES-SP
| ID: lil-676873
Responsible library:
BR1.1
ABSTRACT
Latin America is the region with the third most AIDS-related cryptococcal meningitis infections globally. Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has reduced the number of infections; however, the number of deaths and the case-fatality rate continues to be unacceptable. In this review, we focus on the burden of AIDS-related cryptococcosis in Latin America and discuss potential strategies to reduce early mortality from Cryptococcus. In this review, we highlight the importance of (1) earlier HIV diagnosis and HAART initiation with retention-in-care to avoid AIDS; (2) pre-HAART cryptococcal antigen (CRAG) screening with preemptive fluconazole treatment; (3) better diagnostics (e.g. CRAG testing); and (4) optimal treatment with aggressive management of intracranial pressure and induction therapy with antifungal combination. Implementation of these strategies can reduce cryptococcal-related deaths, improve care, and reduce healthcare costs.
Key words
Full text:
1
Index:
LILACS
Main subject:
Meningitis, Cryptococcal
/
AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections
/
Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active
Limits:
Humans
Language:
En
Journal:
Braz. j. infect. dis
Journal subject:
DOENCAS TRANSMISSIVEIS
Year:
2013
Type:
Article
/
Project document