All are true regarding cryptococcal infection except -
1. Capsular antigen detection from CSF or serum by latex agglutination test is a rapid and sensitive (95%). 2. Cryptococcus gives Urease test positive. 3. Anticapsular Abs is not protective 4. Predisposing factors: Patients with advanced HIV infection with CD4 T-cell counts < 200/ml is the most impoant risk factor for C.neoformans. However, C.gattii is not associated with HIV. It usually causes infection in immunocompetent individuals. Patients with hematologic malignancies. Transplant recipients Patients on immunosuppressive or steroid therapy.
Occurs in immune-deficient states
Capsular Ag in CSF is a rapid method of detection
Anticapsular Abs is protective
Urease test +ve
Mycology