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  • Title: Cryptococcosis in HIV-infected hospitalized patients in Germany: Evidence for routine antigen testing.
    Author: Katchanov J, Jefferys L, Tominski D, Wöstmann K, Slevogt H, Arastéh K, Stocker H.
    Journal: J Infect; 2015 Jul; 71(1):110-6. PubMed ID: 25644318.
    Abstract:
    OBJECTIVES: To investigate the diagnostic value of routine cryptococcal antigen (CRAG) testing in HIV-infected patients in a low prevalence setting. METHODS: Retrospective single centre cohort study of a 10-year period (2005-2014). RESULTS: 5461 patients tested for CRAG were included. Cryptococcal antigenaemia was found in 1.6% and 1.1% of patients with CD4 counts of ≤100/μl and 101-200/μl, respectively. The positive predictive values for identifying clinically relevant cryptococcal disease was 96% and 100%, respectively. Half of the patients had a non-specific presentation and median time-to-diagnosis was high (5 days, range 1-44 days). The median time-to-diagnosis in direct admissions to our centre with routine CRAG testing was significantly shorter: 1 day (range: 1-17) vs. 7 days (range: 2-44), p = 0.003. Prevalence of cryptococcal antigenaemia was 2.8% in patients with pneumocystis pneumonia and median time-to-diagnosis of cryptococcosis was significantly longer in this subgroup (15 days; range: 1-44 vs. 3 days; range: 1-17; p = 0.008). CRAG titres ≥1:512 were associated with disseminated disease (OR 21.3, p = 0.0008, 95% CI 1.64-277), however, 10% of patients with disseminated cryptococcosis had CRAG titres <1:16. CONCLUSION: Our data support routine CRAG testing in hospitalized HIV-infected patients with CD4 counts ≤200/μl, and/or pneumocystis pneumonia.
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