Tshepiso Mbangiwa, Aude Sturny-Leclère, Kwana Lechiile, Cheusisime Kajanga, Timothée Boyer-Chammard, Jennifer C Hoving, Tshepo Leeme, Melanie Moyo, Nabila Youssouf, David S Lawrence, Henry Mwandumba, Mosepele Mosepele, Thomas S Harrison, Joseph N Jarvis, Olivier Lortholary, Alexandre Alanio
BACKGROUND: HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis is the second leading cause of AIDS-related deaths, with a 10-week mortality rate of 25-30%. Fungal load assessed by colony-forming unit (CFU) counts is used as a prognostic marker and to monitor response to treatment in research studies. PCR-based assessment of fungal load could be quicker and less labour-intensive. We sought to design, optimise, and validate quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays for the detection, identification, and quantification of Cryptococcus infections in patients with cryptococcal meningitis in sub-Saharan Africa...
February 8, 2024: The Lancet. Microbe