Cryptococcal infection
Last updated: Wednesday, 24, November, 2010
| Local Infection Sites | Appropriate Tests |
|---|---|
Cryptococcal antigen - serum. Cerebrospinal fluid examination including cryptococcal antigen. Biopsy (fine needle or surgical) - microscopy and culture for fungus, with subtyping of Cryptococcus neoformans variety. | |
Pneumonia | Although the yield is low, sputum microscopy and culture and blood cultures should be performed. Fine needle aspiration of lesion - if not diagnostic, lung biopsy may be required. |
Skin infection | Skin biopsy. |
CNS infection, especially
| Cerebrospinal fluid examination |
Prostatic infection | Seen particularly in patients with AIDS. Urine - microscopy and specific culture for Cryptococcus neoformans. |