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Diagnosis of Cryptococcus meningitis by conventional methods and Real-time polymerase chain reaction
جبار سلمان حسان
Authors : Dr. Jabbar Salman Hassan, Dr. Azhar A.F. Al-Attraqchi, Dr. Akram Al-Mahdawi, Dr. Ihssan Subhi Nema
Cryptococcal infections of CNS are the most common form of fungal infections, mostly affects the immunodeficient individuals. Rarely, even normal hosts can become so diseased. Infection can also occur in patients on long-term steroid therapy, diabetes, cancer, renal failure, immunosuppressive treatment, and solid organ transplant patients. This study was carried out to diagnosis the Cryptococcus meningitis from immune competent and immune compromised patients at different age groups. Sixty samples were collected and enrolled in this study over five months from January to May 2013, conventional methods included cell count and differentiation, biochemical analysis, staining and culturing of the samples as well as latex agglutination test for detecting Cryptococcal antigen in CSF and molecular methods included SYBR Green real –time PCR Four (6.66 %) patients sample out of 60 samples were real –time PCR and latex agglutination test positive, Regarding diagnosis by staining and culture two (3.33%) samples from the total CSF samples (n=60) were detected by nigrosin stain and culturing. In conclusion Cryptococcosis should be included as one of the most important causes in chronic meningitis in Iraq and real-time PCR assay could be great help in early diagnosis of Cryptococcus meningitis.

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page 6 IJSER Volume 5, Issue8, August 2014