HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis is a severe fungal infection of the brain that causes about 15% of HIV?related deaths worldwide. Most of these deaths occur in resource-limited countries. Antifungal drugs are used for both prevention and treatment of this condition, however, due to the high cost and limited availability of these drugs as well as challenges in managing drug toxicities, it is particularly important in resource-limited countries that the best possible options are used.
Three recent Cochrane Reviews provide the latest evidence on treatment and prevention options for cryptococcal meningitis in HIV-positive people:
- Early versus delayed antiretroviral treatment in HIV-positive people with cryptococcal meningitis
- Primary antifungal prophylaxis for cryptococcal disease in HIV-positive people
- Treatment for HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis
These reviews were used to inform the current WHO guidelines for the diagnosis, prevention and management of cryptococcal disease in HIV-infected adults, adolescents and children.
This material is associated with the Research, Evidence and Development Initiative (READ-It) project. READ-It (project number 300342-104) is funded by UK aid from the UK government; however, the views expressed do not necessarily reflect the UK government’s official policies.