What are the fungal infections cryptococcal meningitis and oesophageal candidiasis?
These two fungal infections, caused by spores and mold at circulate in the atmosphere, are commonly found in patients with HIV/AIDS, whose immune systems are compromised. Cryptococcal meningitis, caused by cryptococcus neoformans, is a life-threatening infection of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. It occurs in around 10% of AIDS patients, with mortality rates reaching as high as 20%. The onset is gradual, causing fatigue, fever, weight loss, headache, nausea, vomiting, confusion, drowsiness, blurred vision and photophobia. Definitive diagnosis can only be made by a lumbar puncture. Ongoing treatment for this infection is necessary, as the relapse rates are between 50-60%. Diflucan is the only outpatient treatment available for cryptococcal meningitis. Oesophageal candidiasis is a fungal infection of the oesophagus caused by microscopic organisms known as yeast. Most commonly, it is caused by Candida, which is normally found in the mouth, skin and stomach. Diagnosi
