Abstract：OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the value of cryptococcal latex agglutination test in the diagnosis and treatment of cryptococcal meningitis in children. METHODS: The clinical data of 10 children with cryptococcal meningitis were retrospectively studied. Cryptococcal meningitis was confirmed based on clinical manifestations, India ink stain, cryptococcal latex agglutination test or cryptococcal culture. The outcome of antifungal treatment and the changes of latex agglutination test titer were followed up for 2 to 4 years. RESULTS: Latex agglutination test and/or India ink stain were positive (titer 1 : 64-1 : 1024) in 8 patients in the first examination of cerebrospinal fluid. In the other 2 patients, latex agglutination test was positive (titer 1 : 256) in the fourth examination of cerebrospinal fluid in one, and India ink stain was positive in the eleventh examination in the other. After antifungal treatment, six patients were cured, two patients died, and two patients were lost to follow-up. The positive cryptococcal latex agglutination test (titer 1 : 2-1 : 16) was seen respectively in six, three, two and one cured patients 6 months, 1 year, 2 years and 4 years later. CONCLUSIONS: The cryptococcal latex agglutination test of cerebrospinal fluid is valuable for the quick and early diagnosis of cryptococcal meningitis; however, the decision of withdrawal of antifungal treatment should not rely on the results of the test.
CHANG Xing-Zhi,LI Ruo-Yu,WANG Yu-Qi et al. Value of latex agglutination test in the diagnosis and treatment of cryptococcal meningitis in children[J]. CJCP, 2011, 13(2): 115-118.
［1］Saha DC, Xess I, Jain N. Evaluation of conventional ﹠serological methods for rapid diagnosis of cryptococcosis［J］. Indian J Med Res, 2008, 127(5):483-488.
［2］Lin TY, Yeh KM, Lin JC, Wang NC, Peng MY, Chang FY. Cryptococcal disease in patients with or without human immunodeficiency virus: clinical presentation and monitoring of serum cryptococcal antigen titers［J］. J Microbiol Immunol Infect, 2009, 42(3): 220-226.
［3］McCarthy KM, Morgan J, Wannermuehler KA, Mirza SA, Gould AM, Mhlongo N, et al. Population-based surveillance for cryptococcosis in an antiretroviral-naive South African province with a high HIV seroprevalence［J］. AIDS, 2006, 20(17): 2199-2206.
