Cryptococcal disease and HIV infection.
In the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy for the treatment of HIV infection, the dramatic reductions in mortality and morbidity associated with immune reconstitution have included a marked decline in the incidence of opportunistic infections. Cryptococcus neoformans is a yeast that causes predominantly neurological disease in immunocompromised individuals, in particular those with HIV infection. It continues to be an important diagnosis in developing areas and amongst late presenters in parts of the world with access to highly active antiretroviral therapy. This article reviews the epidemiology, clinical features and management of cryptococcal disease in HIV-infected patients, particularly focusing on the history of, current guidelines for and future developments in antifungal therapy.
Waters
Laura
L
Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, 369 Fulham Road, SW11 5AJ, UK.
Nelson
Mark
M
D017088:AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D000818:Animals; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active / Q000639:trends; D003453:Cryptococcosis / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015497:HIV-1; D006801:Humans
D019380:Anti-HIV Agents; D000935:Antifungal Agents