1501-1

Cerebrospinal fluid: Cryptococcus neoformans – Shipped January 2015

HISTORY

This sample was sent as a simulated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sample. Participants were expected to isolate and identify Cryptococcus neoformans and perform susceptibility testing if within laboratory possibilities.

MAIN EDUCATIONAL POINTS from 1501-1

• Specimens must be inoculated onto media that ensure the growth of the most common etiologic agents of fungal meningitis: Cryptococcus neoformans, Histoplasma capsulatum and Candida species.
• Disseminated cryptococcosis presents as a severe infection with multi-organ involvement in severely immunosuppressed HIV-positive patients with a CD4+ cell count of less than 100/μL.

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