Test
Cryptococus Antigen, CSF
Pathology
Summary
Cryptococcosis is initiated as a subclinical pulmonary infection caused by encapsulated soil yeast Cryptococcus neoformans. It can infect any organ but the most serious complications result from CNS infections in immunocompromised patients. Detection of Cryptococcal antigens in serum / CSF is used successfully in the diagnosis of Meningitis associated with C.neoformans. Performing the test simultaneously in CSF and serum increases the sensitivity of antigen detection to 90%. This test is more sensitive than India ink staining and has been used as a prognostic marker. Persistence of antigen positivity following therapy is a poor prognostic sign in patients.
