Cryptococcal antigenaemia in patients hospitalised with community acquired pneumonia at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital
Date
2014-08-27
Authors
Korb, Anneli
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Background
Cryptococcus is a life-threatening opportunistic infection; data is limited regarding early infection. Treatment of cryptococcal antigenaemia may impact on disease progression. Screening those most at risk for cryptococcal antigenaemia is necessary to be cost effective. The prevalence of cryptococcal antigenaemia in patients hospitalised with community acquired pneumonia (CAP) at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (CHBAH) was evaluated.
Methods
200 patients admitted to CHBAH with presumed CAP were enrolled. Clinical and laboratory data were collected and a Cryptococcal Lateral Flow Immunoassay was done on whole blood.
Results
Of the 200 patients, 185 (92.5%) were HIV-infected. Amongst the HIV-infected group, the median CD4 cell count was 47 cells/mm3 and 111 subjects (60%) had a CD4 cell count < 100 cells/mm3. The prevalence of cryptococcal antigenaemia was 0.5% (CI 0.01-2.75).
Conclusion
The prevalence of cryptococcal antigenaemia amongst inpatients with CAP was low. Routine screening of this group would not be cost-effective.
Description
Thesis (M.Med. (Internal Medicine))--University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences, 2013.