ABSTRACT

Background: Meningitis is a leading causes of early mortality in HIV infected patients. But the findings, characteristics and clinical outcome is still in their infancy. There are still some unusual findings that need to be documented. Methods: Patients were recruited who were admitted to Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, with confirmed diagnosis of meningitis. A total of 55 patients of meningitis were available for this study from June 2016 – June 2019. Lumbar puncture was performed in all cases and Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) was sent for analysis. Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) from all cases was tested to rule out the cause of infection. CSF analysis was done by India ink, Cryptococcal Antigen Latex Agglutination test, followed by fungal culture. CD4 count, CSF cell count, biochemical analysis, corresponding CSF sugar and protein levels. Results: Out of 55 patients, 40 were diagnosed with Cryptococcal meningitis and 8 were having tubercular meningitis. Mean age of patients was 40.43±12.64 years. Fever (92.5%) and Headache (85%) was the most prominent clinical feature in CM patients. We also observed some unusual features such as one patient with stroke, one with diplopia, one with nystagmus, one with petechias and one with invasive disease of bone marrow. The CSF India ink was positive in 14 (87.5%) a rural area and 19 (79.2%). urban area patient. Conclusion: Cryptococcal meningitis is the most common laboratory confirmed aetiology in HIV infected patients in northern India region. Some unusual findings are also there which may lead to miss the diagnosis. So a clear evaluation is very important. Keywords: Meningitis, Cryptococcal meningitis, HIV
Publication date: 01/07/21

https://ijbpas.com/pdf/2021/July/MS_IJBPAS_2021_5520.pdf

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https://doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2021/10.7.5520