Phased implementation of screening for cryptococcal disease in South Africa

Abstract

Cryptococcus neoformans is the most common cause of laboratoryconfirmed meningitis in South Africa.1 Despite the increased coverage of antiretroviral treatment (ART), the country’s incidence of cryptococcal meningitis remains high, and in routine care settings, the disease has a case-fatality ratio of >50% at 12 weeks post-diagnosis.2-4 Screening and pre-emptive antifungal treatment is desirable to prevent the development of cryptococcal meningitis and associated deaths.