Meningitis - Cryptococcal
Alternate Names : Cryptococcal Meningitis
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Diagnosis & Tests
In order to diagnose cryptococcal meningitis, a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) must be performed. This test involves taking a sample of fluid from the spinal column (called cerebrospinal fluid or CSF). The following tests on the CSF allow the diagnosis of cryptococcal meningitis:
- CSF stains may show the yeast
-
CSF culture grows cryptococcus
- CSF may be positive for cryptococcus antigen
Also, a blood test, the serum cryptococcal antigen test, can be sensitive in diagnosing cryptococcus infection, especially in AIDS patients.
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