Cryptococcosis.

Cryptococcosis, caused by Cryptococcus neoformans, is the most common life-threatening AIDS-related fungal infection. The infection can occur in any organ of the body, although meningitis is its most frequent form. Symptoms of cryptococcal meningitis appear gradually and generally include headache, fever, or malaise. Symptoms may also include memory loss, lethargy, and personality changes. Isolation of the pathogen is done by using microscopy of the cerebrospinal fluid or by testing the serum antigen titer. Appropriate therapy includes amphotericin B or triazole antifungals. Patients with elevated intracranial pressure may be treated by draining cerebrospinal fluid (about 30 ml) daily. Other antifungal agents are being investigated.