WHAT IS CRYPTOCOCCAL MENINGITIS?
Cryptococcus is a fungus. It is very common in the soil. It can get into your body when you breathe in dust or dried bird droppings. It does not seem to spread from person to person. Meningitis is the most common illness caused by Cryptococcus. Meningitis is an infection of the lining of the spinal cord and brain. It can cause coma and death. Cryptococcus can also infect the skin, lungs, or other parts of the body. The risk of cryptococcal infection is highest when your CD4 counts are below 100. Cryptococcal meningitis is a major HIV-related opportunistic infection, especially in the developing world. A recent study estimated that there are 1 million cases each year. The first signs of meningitis include fever, fatigue, a stiff neck, headache, nausea and vomiting, confusion, blurred vision or sensitivity to bright light. The symptoms may come on slowly. HIV disease or medications can cause some of these symptoms. Therefore, laboratory tests are used to confirm that you have meningitis.
