| Cryptococcus
neoformans meningitis
in
HIV-infected patients presents subacutely over several weeks. Symptoms
may include fever, headache, malaise, photophobia, meningismus, nausea,
vomiting, altered mental status, and/or seizures. This India
ink preparation under high power shows a thick polysaccharide
capsule surrounding the yeast, the organelles of which can be
identified. Diagnosis is made by lumbar puncture, and management consists of
systemic antifungal therapy, generally intravenous amphotericin B
followed by maintenance oral fluconazole. |
