Oral Lipid Nanocrystal Amphotericin B for Cryptococcal Meningitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

Amphotericin B is the gold standard treatment for severe mycoses. A new orally delivered, less-toxic formulation of amphotericin has been developed.

METHODS

In our randomized clinical trial, we tested oral lipid nanocrystal (LNC) amphotericin B (MAT2203, Matinas Biopharma) vs intravenous (IV) amphotericin for human immunodeficiency virus-associated cryptococcal meningitis in 4 sequential cohorts. Two pilot cohorts assessed safety and tolerability (n = 10 each), and 2 cohorts assessed efficacy with/without 2 IV loading doses (n = 40 each). The experimental arm received 1.8 g/d oral LNC amphotericin through 2 weeks with 100 mg/kg/d flucytosine, then 1.2 g/d LNC amphotericin through 6 weeks. The randomized control arm (n = 41) received 7 days of IV amphotericin with flucytosine, then 7 days of fluconazole 1200 mg/d. The primary end point was cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) early fungicidal activity (EFA).

RESULTS

We randomized 80 participants to oral LNC amphotericin + flucytosine with (n = 40) and without (n = 40) 2 IV loading doses and 41 control participants to IV amphotericin + flucytosine. Mean EFA was 0.40 log10 colony-forming units (CFU)/mL/d for all-oral LNC amphotericin, 0.42 log10  Cryptococcus CFU/mL/d for oral LNC amphotericin with IV loading doses, and 0.46 log10 CFU/mL/d for IV amphotericin controls. LNC amphotericin groups achieved 2-week CSF sterility in 63% (44 of 70) vs 68% (23 of 34) of controls. The 18-week survival was 85% (34 of 40) with all-oral LNC amphotericin, 90% (36 of 40) with oral LNC amphotericin given IV loading doses, and 85% (35 of 41) with IV amphotericin.Grade 3-4 laboratory adverse events occurred less frequently in LNC amphotericin groups (41%) than the IV amphotericin group (61%, P = .05), particularly for anemia (21% vs 44%; P = .01) and potassium (5% vs 17%; P = .04).

CONCLUSIONS

This new oral amphotericin B LNC formulation appears promising for cryptococcal meningitis with antifungal activity, similar survival, and less toxicity than IV amphotericin.

CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION

NCT04031833.

HIV Infection and 90-Day Stroke Outcomes in Uganda: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study

Background and Objectives

Little is known about the impact of HIV infection on the clinical presentation and outcomes after stroke in the modern antiretroviral therapy (ART) era. We aimed to compare stroke characteristics and outcomes between persons with HIV (PWH) and without HIV (PWOH) presenting with stroke in Uganda.

Methods

We conducted a matched cohort study at Mulago National Referral Hospital and Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital between January 2018 and November 2020. We enrolled consecutive PWH presenting with CT-confirmed acute or subacute stroke (symptom onset ≤14 days) and matched them by sex and stroke type to 2 consecutive available PWOH admitted to the same hospital. We obtained baseline clinical data and followed participants for 90 days from the day of clinical presentation. We compared stroke severity (defined by the NIH stroke scale [NIHSS]) and 90-day all-cause mortality and morbidity (using the modified Rankin Scale [mRS]) by HIV serostatus with and without adjustment for confounders.

Results

We enrolled 105 PWH and 157 PWOH with stroke. PWH were younger (mean [SD] age 49 [14] vs 59 [16] years, p < 0.001), and nearly 80% (82/105) were on ART for a median of 5 years and a median CD4 count of 214 cells/uL (interquartile range 140, 337). Compared with PWOH, PWH presented with a 3-point lower median NIHSS (16 vs 19, p = 0.011), a 20% lower proportion of all-cause mortality at 90 days (p = 0.001), and had less disability at 90 days (median mRS 4 vs 5, p = 0.004). Age and NIHSS-adjusted odds ratio of 90-day all-cause mortality in PWH compared with PWOH was 0.45 (95% CI 0.22-0.96, p = 0.037).

Discussion

In the modern ART era, PWH with acute stroke in Uganda present with modest stroke and are significantly less likely to die within 90 days than PWOH. This potentially reflects the protective effects of ART, enhanced health care access, and their younger age at stroke presentation.

Baseline Cytomegalovirus Viremia at Cryptococcal Meningitis Diagnosis Is Associated With Long-term Increased Incident TB Disease and Mortality in a Prospective Cohort of Ugandan Adults With HIV

Background

Adults with HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis have overlapping burdens of cytomegalovirus (CMV) and tuberculosis (TB) coinfections. CMV infection/reactivation is strongly associated with CMV-specific memory T-cell activation and upregulation of type 1 interferons, which may lead to increased risk of TB disease and poor outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a cohort study of 2-week survivors of cryptococcal meningitis during 2010-2021 to determine TB incidence and all-cause mortality over time stratified by baseline CMV status.

Results

We followed 497 Ugandans with HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis for a median (interquartile range) of 4.6 (2.6-53.9) months. Overall, 42% (210/497) developed incident TB disease or died. One-fifth (98/497, 19.7%) developed incident TB disease, and 29% (142/497) of participants died during follow-up. Of 259 participants with CMV viral load measured at baseline, 37% (96/259) had concurrent CMV viremia (defined as anyone with detectable CMV DNA in plasma/serum by qualitative polymerase chain reaction [PCR] detection). Of 59 with measured CMV immunoglobulin G (IgG), 100% had positive CMV IgG antibody serology (≥10 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay units/mL). CMV viremia was positively associated with higher HIV viral load (196 667 vs 73 295 copies/mL; P = .002) and higher cerebrospinal fluid fungal burden (68 500 vs 14 000 cfu/mL; P = .002) compared with those without. Participants with high-level CMV viremia (defined as CMV viral load ≥1000 IU/mL) had twice the risk of incident TB (subdistribution adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 2.18; 95% CI, 1.11-4.27) and death (aHR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.14-3.49) compared with participants with no or low-level CMV viremia. There was no association between the CMV IgG index and the incidence of TB/death (P = .75).

Conclusions

CMV viremia >1000 IU/mL at meningitis diagnosis was associated with increased incident TB disease and mortality during long-term follow-up. Future studies to determine the causal relationship and potential for therapeutic intervention are warranted.

Outpatient Cryptococcal Antigen Screening Is Associated With Favorable Baseline Characteristics and Improved Survival in Persons With Cryptococcal Meningitis in Uganda

BACKGROUND

It is unknown whether persons with symptomatic cryptococcal meningitis detected during routine blood cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) screening have better survival than persons presenting with overt meningitis.

METHODS

We prospectively enrolled Ugandans with HIV and cryptocococcal meningitis from December 2018 to December 2021. Participants were treated with amphotericin-based combination therapy. We compared outcomes between persons who were CrAg screened then referred to hospital with those presenting directly to the hospital with symptomatic meningitis.

RESULTS

Among 489 participants with cryptococcal meningitis, 40% (194/489) received blood CrAg screening and were referred to hospital (median time to referral 2 days; interquartile range [IQR], 1-6). CrAg-screened persons referred to hospital had lower 14-day mortality than non-CrAg-screened persons who presented directly to hospital with symptomatic meningitis (12% vs 21%; hazard ratio, .51; 95% confidence interval, .32-.83; P = .006). Fewer CrAg-screened participants had altered mental status versus non-CrAg-screened participants (29% vs 41%; P = .03). CrAg-screened persons had lower quantitative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture burden (median [IQR], 4570 [11-100 000] vs 26 900 [182-324 000] CFU/mL; P = .01) and lower CSF opening pressures (median [IQR], 190 [120-270] vs 225 [140-340] mmH2O; P = .004) compared with non-CrAg-screened persons.

CONCLUSIONS

Survival from cryptococcal meningitis was higher in persons with prior CrAg screening than those without CrAg screening. Altered mental status was the most potent predictor for mortality in a multivariate model. We suggest that CrAg screening detects cryptococcal meningitis at an earlier stage, as evidenced by a favorable baseline risk profile and notably fewer persons with altered mental status.

Adherence of health workers to guidelines for screening and management of cryptococcal meningitis in Uganda

INTRODUCTION

Health workers' failure to adhere to guidelines for screening, diagnosis and management of HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis (CM) remains a significant public health concern. We aimed to assess adherence to the standards of care and management of HIV patients at risk of CM per the MoH guidelines and assess stock management of CM supplies in the period of January to June 2021 at selected public health facilities (HFs) in Uganda.

METHODS

The study employed an observational cross-sectional design to assess the level of adherence of health workers to standards of clinical care and management of HIV positive patients at risk of CM as per the clinical guidelines for Uganda, and stock management of CM supplies in the period of January to June 2021in selected public health facilities. The study team used a survey guide designed by MoH to assess and score the screening, diagnosis and management practices of Health Facilities towards CM. Scoring was categorized as red (< 80%), light green (80%-95%), and dark green (˃95%) in the order from worst to best adherence. The data was transcribed into a spread sheet and analysed using STATA-v15.

RESULTS

The study team visited a total of 15 public health facilities including 5 general hospitals, 9 regional referral hospitals (RRHs) and 1 National Referral hospital (NRH). The mean score for adherence to screening and management of CM for all the combined facilities was 15 (64.7%) classified as red. 10 (66.7%) HFs had not performed a baseline CD4 test for eligible patients within 2 weeks of ART initiation. With regards to treatment, 9 (60%) of the HFs were scored as light green on knowledge of the procedure for reconstituting intravenous Liposomal Amphotericin B. None of the HFs visited had potassium chloride tablets in stock.

CONCLUSION

Major MoH guidelines are generally not being adhered to by health workers while managing cryptococcal meningitis. It is vital that government and implementing partners regularly support HFs with training, mentorship, and support supervision on CM management to improve adherence to CM screening and treatment guidelines.

Sterile Cerebrospinal Fluid Culture at Cryptococcal Meningitis Diagnosis Is Associated with High Mortality

Cryptococcus is the leading cause of AIDS-related meningitis in sub-Saharan Africa. The clinical implications of a sterile cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture among individuals diagnosed with cryptococcal meningitis using CSF cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) are unclear. We prospectively enrolled 765 HIV-positive Ugandans with first-episode cryptococcal meningitis from November 2010 to May 2017. All persons were treated with amphotericin-based induction therapy. We grouped participants by tertile of baseline CSF quantitative Cryptococcus culture burden and compared clinical characteristics, CSF immune profiles, and 18-week mortality. We found 55 (7%) CSF CrAg-positive participants with sterile CSF cultures. Compared to the non-sterile groups, participants with sterile CSF cultures had higher CD4 counts, lower CSF opening pressures, and were more frequently receiving ART. By 18 weeks, 47% [26/55] died in the sterile culture group versus 35% [83/235] in the low culture tertile, 46% [107/234] in the middle tertile, and 56% [135/241] in the high tertile (p < 0.001). The sterile group had higher levels of CSF interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), IFN-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-17, G-CSF, GM-CSF, and chemokine CXCL2 compared with non-sterile groups. Despite persons with sterile CSF cultures having higher CD4 counts, lower CSF opening pressures, and CSF cytokine profiles associated with better Cryptococcus control (e.g., IFN-γ predominant), mortality was similar to those with higher fungal burdens. This unexpected finding challenges the traditional paradigm that increasing CSF fungal burdens are associated with increased mortality but is consistent with a damage-response framework model.

A secondary analysis of depression outcomes from a randomized controlled trial of adjunctive sertraline for HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis

Background: Depression is a risk factor for worse HIV outcomes in persons living with HIV/AIDS, including engagement-in-care, HIV medication adherence, and retention-in-care. Depression has a prevalence of more than three times as high as in the general population. Despite this, there are few randomized studies of antidepressants in HIV-infected Africans, including those with opportunistic infections. Methods: We enrolled 460 HIV-infected Ugandans with cryptococcal meningitis into a randomized clinical trial of adjunctive sertraline vs placebo (2015-2017). We defined depression using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) score of >15, and severe depression as >26 at one and three months after meningitis diagnosis and initiation of treatment. We evaluated the relationship between sertraline and depression, as well as associations with persistent depression, at three months. Results: At one- and three-months post meningitis diagnosis, 62% (108/174) and 44% (74/169) of all subjects had depression (CES>15), respectively. At three months, sertraline-treated subjects had consistent risk for depression as placebo-treated subjects but were significantly less likely to have severe depression (CES>26) (OR 0.335; 95%CI, 0.130-0.865). Of those with depression at one month, sertraline-treated subjects were less likely than placebo-treated subjects to be depressed at three months (p=0.05). Sertraline was the only factor we found significant in predicting persistent depression at three months among those with depression at one month. Conclusions: Depression is highly prevalent in HIV-infected persons who have survived cryptococcal meningitis. We found that sertraline is associated with a modest reduction in depression in those with depression at baseline and a significant decrease in severe depression.

Therapeutic Lumbar Punctures in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Associated Cryptococcal Meningitis: Should Opening Pressure Direct Management?

Background

Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) frequently complicates cryptococcal meningitis. Therapeutic lumbar punctures (LPs) have acute survival benefits in the first week, and we sought to understand the longer-term survival impact of therapeutic LPs.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-seropositive adults with cryptococcal meningitis from 2013 to 2017 in Uganda. We assessed the association between clinical characteristics, CSF parameters, and 14- and 30-day mortality by baseline ICP. We also assessed 30-day mortality by number of follow-up therapeutic LPs performed within 7 days.

Results

Our analysis included 533 participants. Participants with baseline ICP >350 mm H₂O were more likely to have Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score <15 (P < .001), seizures (P < .01), and higher quantitative cryptococcal cultures (P < .001), whereas participants with ICP <200 mm H₂O were more likely to have baseline sterile CSF cultures (P < .001) and CSF white blood cell count ≥5 cells/µL (P = .02). Thirty-day mortality was higher in participants with baseline ICP >350 mm H₂O and ICP <200 mm H₂O as compared with baseline ICP 200-350 mm H₂O (hazard ratio, 1.55 [95% confidence interval, 1.10-2.19]; P = .02). Among survivors at least 7 days, the 30-day relative mortality was 50% higher among participants who did not receive any additional therapeutic LPs compared to those with ≥1 additional follow-up LP (33% vs 22%; P = .04), irrespective of baseline ICP.

Conclusions

Management of increased ICP remains crucial in improving clinical outcomes in cryptococcal meningitis. Guidelines should consider an approach to therapeutic LPs that is not dictated by baseline ICP.

Association of Hyponatremia on Mortality in Cryptococcal Meningitis: A Prospective Cohort

Background

Sodium abnormalities are frequent in central nervous system infections and may be caused by cerebral salt wasting, syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, or medication adverse events. In cryptococcal meningitis (CM), the prevalence of baseline hyponatremia and whether hyponatremia adversely impacts survival is unknown.

Methods

We conducted a secondary analysis of data from 2 randomized trials of human immunodeficiency virus-infected adult Ugandans with CM. We grouped serum sodium into 3 categories: <125, 125-129, and 130-145 mmol/L. We assessed whether baseline sodium abnormalities were associated with clinical characteristics and survival.

Results

Of 816 participants with CM, 741 (91%) had a baseline sodium measurement available: 121 (16%) had grade 3-4 hyponatremia (<125 mmol/L), 194 (26%) had grade 2 hyponatremia (125-129 mmol/L), and 426 (57%) had a baseline sodium of 130-145 mmol/L. Hyponatremia (<125 mmol/L) was associated with higher initial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) quantitative culture burden (P < .001), higher initial CSF opening pressure (P < .01), lower baseline Glasgow Coma Scale score (P < .01), and a higher percentage of baseline seizures (P = .03). Serum sodium <125 mmol/L was associated with increased 2-week mortality in unadjusted and adjusted survival analyses (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.87 [95% confidence interval, 1.26-2.79]; P < .01) compared to those with sodium 130-145 mmol/L.

Conclusions

Hyponatremia is common in CM and is associated with excess mortality. A standardized management approach to correctly diagnose and correct hyponatremia in CM needs to be developed and tested.

Cerebrospinal Fluid Lactate as a Prognostic Marker of Disease Severity and Mortality in Cryptococcal Meningitis

BACKGROUND

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) lactate levels can be used to differentiate between bacterial and viral meningitis. We measured CSF lactate in individuals with cryptococcal meningitis to determine its clinical significance.

METHODS

We measured point-of-care CSF lactate at the bedside of 319 Ugandan adults living with human immunodeficiency virus at diagnosis of cryptococcal meningitis. We summarized demographic variables and clinical characteristics by CSF lactate tertiles. We evaluated the association of CSF lactate with clinical characteristics and survival.

RESULTS

Individuals with high CSF lactate >5 mmol/L at cryptococcal diagnosis more likely presented with altered mental status (P < .0001), seizures (P = .0005), elevated intracranial opening pressure (P = .03), higher CSF white cells (P = .007), and lower CSF glucose (P = .0003) compared with those with mid-range (3.1 to 5 mmol/L) or low (≤3 mmol/L) CSF lactate levels. Two-week mortality was higher among individuals with high baseline CSF lactate >5 mmol/L (35%; 38 of 109) compared with individuals with mid-range (22%; 25 of 112) or low CSF lactate (9%; 9 of 97; P =<.0001). After multivariate adjustment, CSF lactate >5 mmol/L remained independently associated with excess mortality (adjusted hazard ratio = 3.41; 95% confidence interval, 1.55-7.51; P = .002). We found no correlation between baseline CSF lactate levels and blood capillary lactate levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Baseline point-of-care CSF lactate levels are a prognostic marker of disease severity and mortality in cryptococcal meningitis. Individuals with an elevated baseline CSF lactate level are more likely to present with altered mental status, seizures, and elevated CSF opening pressure and are at a greater risk of death. Future studies are needed to determine targeted therapeutic management strategies in persons with high CSF lactate.

Cerebrospinal Fluid Early Fungicidal Activity as a Surrogate Endpoint for Cryptococcal Meningitis Survival in Clinical Trials

BACKGROUND

In cryptococcal meningitis phase 2 clinical trials, early fungicidal activity (EFA) of Cryptococcus clearance from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is used as a surrogate endpoint for all-cause mortality. The Food and Drug Administration allows for using surrogate endpoints for accelerated regulatory approval, but EFA as a surrogate endpoint requires further validation. We examined the relationship between rate of CSF Cryptococcus clearance (EFA) and mortality through 18 weeks.

METHODS

We pooled individual-level CSF data from 3 sequential cryptococcal meningitis clinical trials conducted during 2010-2017. All 738 subjects received amphotericin + fluconazole induction therapy and had serial quantitative CSF cultures. The log10-transformed colony-forming units (CFUs) per mL CSF were analyzed by general linear regression versus day of culture over the first 10 days.

RESULTS

Mortality through 18 weeks was 37% for EFA > = 0.60 (n = 170), 36% for 0.40-0.59 (n = 182), 39% for 0.30-0.39 (n = 112), 35% for 0.20-0.29 (n = 87), and 50% for those with EFA < 0.20 CFU/mL/day (n = 187). The hazard ratio for 18-week mortality, comparing those with EFA < 0.20 to those with EFA > = 0.20, was 1.60 (95% confidence interval, 1.25, 2.04; P = .002). The lowest EFA group had lower median CD4 T-cell counts (P < .01) and lower proportion of patients with CSF pleocytosis (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

EFA is associated with all-cause mortality in cryptococcal meningitis. An EFA threshold of > = 0.20 log10 CFU/mL/day was associated with similar 18-week mortality (37%) compared to 50% mortality with EFA < 0.20. This EFA threshold may be considered a target for a surrogate endpoint. This builds upon existing studies to validate EFA as a surrogate endpoint.

Transcriptomic biomarker pathways associated with death in HIV-infected patients with cryptococcal meningitis

BACKGROUND

Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is a major cause of death in HIV-infected patients in sub-Saharan Africa. Many CM patients experience cryptococcosis-associated immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (C-IRIS), which is often fatal. We sought to identify transcriptomic biomarker pathways in peripheral blood that are associated with or predict the development of death or fatal C-IRIS among patients with CM who were enrolled in the Cryptococcal Optimal ART Timing Trial.

METHODS

We assessed peripheral blood gene expression using next-generation RNA sequencing in 4 groups of patients with CM: (1) no C-IRIS or Death; (2) C-IRIS survivors; (3) fatal C-IRIS; (4) Death without C-IRIS. Gene expression was assessed at the time of ART initiation, at 1, 4, and 8 weeks on ART, and at the time of C-IRIS events.

RESULTS

We identified 12 inflammatory and stress response pathways, including interferon type 1 signaling, that were upregulated at the time of ART initiation in patients with future fatal C-IRIS, as compared with survivors. The upregulation of transcripts involved in innate immunity (inflammasome, Toll-like receptor signaling), was observed at the time of fatal or nonfatal C-IRIS events. At the time of fatal C-IRIS events, numerous transcripts within fMLP, Rho family GTPases, HMGB1, and other acute phase response signaling pathways were upregulated, which reflects the severity of inflammation and systemic oxidative stress. Patients who died without recognized C-IRIS also had increased expression of pathways associated with oxidative stress and tissue damage.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results showed that overactivated innate immunity, involving Toll-like receptor/inflammasome pathways, and inflammation-induced oxidative stress, are associated with fatal outcomes. The results of this study provide insight into the molecular drivers of death and fatal C-IRIS to inform future diagnostic test development or guide targeted treatments.

High-Dose Oral and Intravenous Rifampicin for the Treatment of Tuberculous Meningitis in Predominantly Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-Positive Ugandan Adults: A Phase II Open-Label Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

High-dose rifampicin may improve outcomes of tuberculous meningitis (TBM). Little safety or pharmacokinetic (PK) data exist on high-dose rifampicin in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection, and no cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) PK data exist from Africa. We hypothesized that high-dose rifampicin would increase serum and CSF concentrations without excess toxicity.

METHODS

In this phase II open-label trial, Ugandan adults with suspected TBM were randomized to standard-of-care control (PO-10, rifampicin 10 mg/kg/day), intravenous rifampicin (IV-20, 20 mg/kg/day), or high-dose oral rifampicin (PO-35, 35 mg/kg/day). We performed PK sampling on days 2 and 14. The primary outcomes were total exposure (AUC0-24), maximum concentration (Cmax), CSF concentration, and grade 3-5 adverse events.

RESULTS

We enrolled 61 adults, 92% were living with HIV, median CD4 count was 50 cells/µL (interquartile range [IQR] 46-56). On day 2, geometric mean plasma AUC0-24hr was 42.9·h mg/L with standard-of-care 10 mg/kg dosing, 249·h mg/L for IV-20 and 327·h mg/L for PO-35 (P < .001). In CSF, standard of care achieved undetectable rifampicin concentration in 56% of participants and geometric mean AUC0-24hr 0.27 mg/L, compared with 1.74 mg/L (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2-2.5) for IV-20 and 2.17 mg/L (1.6-2.9) for PO-35 regimens (P < .001). Achieving CSF concentrations above rifampicin minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) occurred in 11% (2/18) of standard-of-care, 93% (14/15) of IV-20, and 95% (18/19) of PO-35 participants. Higher serum and CSF levels were sustained at day 14. Adverse events did not differ by dose (P = .34).

CONCLUSIONS

Current international guidelines result in sub-therapeutic CSF rifampicin concentration for 89% of Ugandan TBM patients. High-dose intravenous and oral rifampicin were safe and respectively resulted in exposures ~6- and ~8-fold higher than standard of care, and CSF levels above the MIC.

The effect of sertraline on depression and associations with persistent depression in survivors of HIV-related cryptococcal meningitis

Background: Depression is a risk factor for worse outcomes in persons living with HIV/AIDS and has a prevalence more than three times as high as in the general population. Despite this, there are few randomized studies of antidepressants in HIV-infected Africans. Methods: We enrolled 460 HIV-infected Africans with cryptococcal meningitis into a randomized clinical trial of adjunctive sertraline vs placebo (2015-2017). We defined depression using depression using a Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) score of >15, and severe depression as >26 at one and three months after meningitis diagnosis and initiation of treatment.We evaluated the relationship between sertraline and depression, as well as associations with persistent depression, at three months. Results: At one- and three-months post meningitis diagnosis, 62% (108/174) and 44% (74/169) of all subjects had depression (CES>15), respectively. At three months, sertraline-treated subjects had consistent risk for depression as placebo-treated subjects but were significantly less likely to have severe depression (CES>26) (OR 0.335; 95%CI, 0.130-0.865). Of those with depression at one month, sertraline-treated subjects were less likely than placebo-treated subjects to be depressed at three months (p=0.05). Sertraline was the only factor we found significant in predicting persistent depression at three months among those who had depression at one month. Conclusions: Depression is highly prevalent in HIV-infected persons who have survived cryptococcal meningitis. We found that sertraline is associated with a modest reduction in depression in those with depression at baseline and a significant decrease in severe depression.

Baseline Serum C-Reactive Protein Level Predicts Mortality in Cryptococcal Meningitis

BACKGROUND

C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute phase protein produced by the liver in response to systemic inflammation. CRP is a helpful surrogate biomarker used for following the progression and resolution of infection. We aimed to determine the association of baseline CRP level and the temporal change in CRP over time with cryptococcal meningitis outcome.

METHODS

We reviewed 168 prospectively enrolled HIV-infected Ugandans with confirmed first-episode cryptococcal meningitis. Baseline plasma CRP collected within 5 days of meningitis diagnosis was categorized into quartiles. We compared baseline CRP with 18-week survival using time-to-event analysis.

RESULTS

Of 168 participants, the baseline first quartile of serum CRP was <29.0 mg/L, second quartile 29.0-49.5 mg/L, third quartile 49.6-83.6 mg/L, and fourth quartile >83.6 mg/L. Baseline CD4 count, HIV viral load, and cerebrospinal fluid results did not differ by CRP quartile. Participants with CRP >49.5 mg/L more likely presented with Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) <15 (P = .03). The 18-week mortality rate was 55% (46/84) in the highest 2 quartile CRP groups (>49.5 mg/L), 41% (17/42) in the mid-range CRP group (29.0-49.5 mg/L), and 14% (6/42) in the low-CRP group (<29.0 mg/L; P < .001). After adjustment for possible confounding factors including GCS <15, CRP remained significantly associated with mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.084 per 10 mg/L; 95% CI, 1.031-1.139; P = .0016).

CONCLUSIONS

Higher baseline CRP is associated with increased mortality in HIV-infected individuals with first-episode cryptococcal meningitis. CRP could be a surrogate marker for undiagnosed coinfections or may reflect immune dysregulation, leading to worse outcomes in persons with advanced AIDS and concomitant cryptococcal meningitis.

Correlation between Blood and CSF Compartment Cytokines and Chemokines in Subjects with Cryptococcal Meningitis

BACKGROUND

Though peripheral blood is a crucial sample to study immunology, it is unclear whether the immune environment in the peripheral vasculature correlates with that at the end-organ site of infection. Using cryptococcal meningitis as a model, we investigated the correlation between serum and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers over time.

METHODS

We analyzed the cerebrospinal fluid and serum of 160 subjects presenting with first episode cryptococcal meningitis for soluble cytokines and chemokines measured by Luminex assay. Specimens were collected at meningitis diagnosis, 1-week, and 2-week post cryptococcal diagnosis. We compared paired samples by Spearman's correlation and the p value was set at <0.01.

RESULTS

Of the 21 analytes tested at baseline, there was no correlation detected between nearly all analytes. A weak negative correlation was found between serum and cerebrospinal fluid levels of interferon-gamma (Rho = -0.214; p = .007) and interleukin-4 (Rho = -0.232; p = .003). There was no correlation at 1-week post cryptococcal diagnosis. However, at 2-week post cryptococcal diagnosis, there was a weak positive correlation of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor levels (Rho = 0.25; p = .007) in serum and cerebrospinal fluid. No cytokine or chemokine showed consistent correlation overtime.

CONCLUSION

Based on our analysis of 21 biomarkers, serum and cerebrospinal fluid immune responses do not correlate. There appears to be a distinct immune environment in terms of soluble biomarkers in the vasculature versus end-organ site of infection. While this is a model of HIV-related cryptococcal meningitis, we postulate that assuming the blood compartment is representative of the immune function at the end-organ site of infection may not be appropriate.

Cytomegalovirus Viremia Associated With Increased Mortality in Cryptococcal Meningitis in Sub-Saharan Africa

BACKGROUND

Cryptococcal meningitis and tuberculosis are both important causes of death in persons with advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Cytomegalovirus (CMV) viremia may be associated with increased mortality in persons living with HIV who have tuberculosis. It is unknown whether concurrent CMV viremia is associated with mortality in other AIDS-related opportunistic infections.

METHODS

We prospectively enrolled Ugandans living with HIV who had cryptococcal meningitis from 2010-2012. Subsequently, we analyzed stored baseline plasma samples from 111 subjects for CMV DNA. We compared 10-week survival rates among those with and without CMV viremia.

RESULTS

Of 111 participants, 52% (58/111) had detectable CMV DNA (median plasma viral load 498 IU/mL, interquartile range [IQR] 259-2390). All samples tested were positive on immunoglobin G serology. The median CD4+ T cell count was 19 cells/µL (IQR 9-70) and did not differ by the presence of CMV viremia (P = .47). The 10-week mortality rates were 40% (23/58) in those with CMV viremia and 21% (11/53) in those without CMV viremia (hazard ratio 2.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07-4.49; P = .03), which remained significant after a multivariate adjustment for known risk factors of mortality (adjusted hazard ratio 3.25, 95% CI 1.49-7.10; P = .003). Serum and cerebrospinal fluid cytokine levels were generally similar and cryptococcal antigen-specific immune stimulation responses did not differ between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Half of persons with advanced AIDS and cryptococcal meningitis had detectable CMV viremia. CMV viremia was associated with an over 2-fold higher mortality rate. It remains unclear whether CMV viremia in severely immunocompromised persons with cryptococcal meningitis contributes directly to this mortality or may reflect an underlying immune dysfunction (ie, cause vs effect).

CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION

NCT01075152.

Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra for the diagnosis of HIV-associated tuberculous meningitis: a prospective validation study

INTRODUCTION

Tuberculous meningitis accounts for 1-5% of tuberculosis cases. Diagnostic delay contributes to poor outcomes. We evaluated the performance of the new Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra (Xpert Ultra) for tuberculous meningitis diagnosis.

METHODS

In this prospective validation study, we tested the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of adults presenting with suspected meningitis (ie, headache or altered mental status with clinical signs of meningism) to the Mulago National Referral Hospital and Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital in Uganda. We centrifuged the CSF, resuspended the cell pellet in 2 mL CSF, and tested 0·5 mL aliquots with Xpert Ultra, Xpert MTB/RIF (Xpert), and mycobacterial growth indicator tube (MGIT) culture. We quantified diagnostic performance against the uniform case definition of probable or definite tuberculous meningitis and a composite microbiological reference standard.

FINDINGS

From Nov 25, 2016, to Jan 24, 2019, we screened 466 adults with suspected meningitis and tested 204 for tuberculous meningitis. Uniform clinical case definition classified 51 participants as having probable or definite tuberculous meningitis. Against this uniform case definition, Xpert Ultra had 76·5% sensitivity (95% CI 62·5-87·2; 39 of 51 patients) and a negative predictive value of 92·7% (87·6-96·2; 153 of 165), compared with 55·6% sensitivity (44·0-70·4; 25 of 45; p=0·0010) and a negative predictive value of 85·8% (78·9-91·1; 121 of 141) for Xpert and 61·4% sensitivity (45·5-75·6; 27 of 44; p=0·020) and negative predictive value of 85·2% (77·4-91·1; 98 of 115) for MGIT culture. Against the composite microbiological reference standard, Xpert Ultra had sensitivity of 92·9% (80·5-98·5; 39 of 42), higher than Xpert at 65·8% (48·6-80·4; 25 of 38; p=0·0063) and MGIT culture at 72·2% (55·9-86·2; 27 of 37; p=0·092). Xpert Ultra detected nine tuberculous meningitis cases missed by Xpert and MGIT culture.

INTERPRETATION

Xpert Ultra detected tuberculous meningitis with higher sensitivity than Xpert and MGIT culture in this HIV-positive population. However, with a negative predictive value of 93%, Xpert Ultra cannot be used as a rule-out test. Clinical judgment and novel highly sensitive point-of-care tests are still required.

FUNDING

Wellcome Trust, National Institute of Health, National Institute of Neurologic Diseases and Stroke, Fogarty International Center, and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

HIV-Associated Cryptococcal Meningitis Occurring at Relatively Higher CD4 Counts

BACKGROUND

Cryptococcal meningitis can occur in persons with less-apparent immunosuppression. We evaluated clinical characteristics and outcomes of persons with HIV-related Cryptococcus presenting with higher CD4 counts.

METHODS

We enrolled 736 participants from 2 prospective cohorts in Uganda and South Africa from November 2010 to May 2017. We compared participants with CD4 <50, 50-99, or ≥100 cells/μL by clinical characteristics, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) parameters, and 18-week survival.

RESULTS

Among first episode of cryptococcosis, 9% presented with CD4 ≥100 cells/μL. Participants with CD4 ≥100 cells/μL presented more often with altered mental status (52% vs 39%; P = .03) despite a 10-fold lower initial median CSF fungal burden of 7850 (interquartile range [IQR] 860-65500) versus 79000 (IQR 7400-380000) colony forming units/mL (P < .001). Participants with CD4 ≥100 cells/μL had higher median CSF levels of interferon-gamma, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and IL-13, and lower monocyte chemokine, CCL2 (P < .01 for each). Death within 18 weeks occurred in 47% with CD4 <50, 35% with CD4 50-99, and 40% with CD4 ≥100 cells/μL (P = .04).

CONCLUSION

HIV-infected individuals developing cryptococcal meningitis with CD4 ≥100 cells/μL presented more frequently with altered mental status despite having 10-fold lower fungal burden and with greater Th2 (IL-13) immune response. Higher CD4 count was protective despite an increased propensity for immune-mediated damage, consistent with damage-response framework.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT01075152 and NCT01802385.

Seizures in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Associated Cryptococcal Meningitis: Predictors and Outcomes

Background

Seizures commonly occur in patients with cryptococcal meningitis, yet risk factors and outcomes related to seizures are not well described.

Methods

We performed post hoc analyses on participants prospectively enrolled in 3 separate human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated cryptococcal meningitis clinical trials during 2010-2017. Documentation of seizures at presentation or during hospitalization and antiseizure medication receipt identified participants with seizures. We summarized participant characteristics by seizure status via Kruskal-Wallis and χ ² tests. Cox proportional hazards models analyzed the relationship between seizures and mortality. We compared mean quantitative neurocognitive performance Z (QNPZ-8) scores, and individual domain z-scores, at 3-months using independent t tests.

Results

Among 821 HIV-infected cryptococcal meningitis participants, 28% (231 of 821) experienced seizures: 15.5% (127 of 821) experienced seizures at presentation, and 12.7% (104 of 821) experienced incident seizures. Participants with seizures at presentation had a significantly lower Glasgow coma scale ([GCS] <15; P < .001), CD4 count (<50 cells/mcL; P = .02), and higher cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) opening pressure (>25 cm H₂O; P = .004) when compared with participants who never experienced seizures. Cerebrospinal fluid fungal burden was higher among those with seizures at presentation (125 000 Cryptococcus colony-forming units [CFU]/mL CSF) and with seizures during follow-up (92 000 CFU/mL) compared with those who never experienced seizures (36 000 CFU/mL, P < .001). Seizures were associated with increased 10-week mortality (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.45; 95% confidence interval, 1.11-1.89). Participants with seizures had lower neurocognitive function at 3 months (QNPZ-8 = -1.87) compared with those without seizures (QNPZ-8 = -1.36; P < .001).

Conclusions

Seizures were common in this HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis cohort and were associated with decreased survival and neurocognitive function.

Adjunctive sertraline for HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis: a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind phase 3 trial

BACKGROUND

Identifying new antifungals for cryptococcal meningitis is a priority given the inadequacy of current therapy. Sertraline has previously shown in vitro and in vivo activity against cryptococcus. We aimed to assess the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of adjunctive sertraline in adults with HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis compared with placebo.

METHODS

In this double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial, we recruited HIV-positive adults with cryptococcal meningitis from two hospitals in Uganda. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive standard therapy with 7-14 days of intravenous amphotericin B (0·7-1·0 mg/kg per day) and oral fluconazole (starting at 800 mg/day) with either adjunctive sertraline or placebo. Sertraline was administered orally or via nasogastric tube at a dose of 400 mg/day for 2 weeks, followed by 200 mg/day for 12 weeks, then tapered off over 3 weeks. The primary endpoint was 18-week survival, analysed by intention-to-treat. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01802385.

FINDINGS

Between March 9, 2015, and May 29, 2017, we screened 842 patients with suspected meningitis and enrolled 460 of a planned 550 participants, at which point the trial was stopped for futility. Three patients in the sertraline group and three patients in the placebo group were lost to follow-up and therefore discontinued before study end. At 18 weeks, 120 (52%) of 229 patients in the sertraline group and 106 (46%) of 231 patients in the placebo group had died (hazard ratio 1·21, 95% CI 0·93-1·57; p=0·15). The fungal clearance rate from cerebrospinal fluid was similar between groups (0·43 -log₁₀ CFU/mL per day [95% CI 0·37-0·50] in the sertraline group vs 0·47 -log₁₀ CFU/mL per day [0·40-0·54] in the placebo group; p=0·59), as was occurrence of grade 4 or 5 adverse events (72 [31%] of 229 vs 75 [32%] of 231; p=0·98), most of which were associated with amphotericin B toxicity.

INTERPRETATION

Sertraline did not reduce mortality and should not be used to treat patients with HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis. The reasons for sertraline inactivity appear to be multifactorial and might be associated with insufficient duration of therapeutic sertraline concentrations.

FUNDING

National Institutes of Health and Medical Research Council, Wellcome Trust.

Symptomatic Cryptococcal Antigenemia Presenting as Early Cryptococcal Meningitis With Negative Cerebral Spinal Fluid Analysis

BACKGROUND

Individuals with cryptococcal antigenemia are at high risk of developing cryptococcal meningitis if untreated. The progression and timing from asymptomatic infection to cryptococcal meningitis is unclear. We describe a subpopulation of individuals with neurologic symptomatic cryptococcal antigenemia but negative cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) studies.

METHODS

We evaluated 1201 human immunodeficiency virus-seropositive individuals hospitalized with suspected meningitis in Kampala and Mbarara, Uganda. Baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes of participants with neurologic-symptomatic cryptococcal antigenemia and negative CSF cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) were compared to participants with confirmed CSF CrAg+ cryptococcal meningitis. Additional CSF testing included microscopy, fungal culture, bacterial culture, tuberculosis culture, multiplex FilmArray polymerase chain reaction (PCR; Biofire), and Xpert MTB/Rif.

RESULTS

We found 56% (671/1201) of participants had confirmed CSF CrAg+ cryptococcal meningitis and 4% (54/1201) had neurologic symptomatic cryptococcal antigenemia with negative CSF CrAg. Of those with negative CSF CrAg, 9% (5/54) had Cryptococcus isolated on CSF culture (n = 3) or PCR (n = 2) and 11% (6/54) had confirmed tuberculous meningitis. CSF CrAg-negative patients had lower proportions with CSF pleocytosis (16% vs 26% with ≥5 white cells/μL) and CSF opening pressure >200 mmH2O (16% vs 71%) compared with CSF CrAg-positive patients. No cases of bacterial or viral meningitis were detected by CSF PCR or culture. In-hospital mortality was similar between symptomatic cryptococcal antigenemia (32%) and cryptococcal meningitis (31%; P = .91).

CONCLUSIONS

Cryptococcal antigenemia with meningitis symptoms was the third most common meningitis etiology. We postulate this is early cryptococcal meningoencephalitis. Fluconazole monotherapy was suboptimal despite Cryptococcus-negative CSF. Further studies are warranted to understand the clinical course and optimal management of this distinct entity.

CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION

NCT01802385.

Epidemiology of non-traumatic spinal cord injury in Uganda: a single center, prospective study with MRI evaluation

BACKGROUND

A few reliable national data concerning the etiology of non-traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) in sub-Sahara Africa exists, mainly because of the limitations of diagnostic imaging. These are both expensive and mostly unavailable in several resource-limited settings. Only a few studies have employed the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in documenting non-traumatic SCI and most of these studies are from South Africa. We sought to describe the clinical presentation, MRI radiological patterns, and one-year survival among subjects with non-traumatic SCI in Uganda.

METHODS

We enrolled a prospective cohort of 103 participants with non-traumatic SCI at Mulago National Referral Hospital Kampala, Uganda in 2013-2015. Participants received standard of care management, with surgical intervention as needed, with one-year follow up. Data were analyzed using Descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

In 103 participants with non-traumatic SCI, the median (IQR) age was 37 (18, 85) years and 25% of the participants were HIV-infected. Paraplegia/paraparesis was the most common clinical presentation in 70% (n = 72). Severe disease was present in 82% (n = 85) as per American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) scale A-C. On MRI, 50% had extradural lesions. However, bone lesions accounted for only 75% of all the extradural lesions. More than 60% of the patients had lesions that could only be diagnosed on MRI. Deaths occurred in 42% (n = 44) of participants, with the highest mortality among those with extradural lesions (60%).

CONCLUSION

The mortality following non-traumatic spinal cord injuries in Uganda is high. We demonstrated an equal distribution between extradural and intradural lesions, which differs from the historical predominance of extradural lesions. Increased utilization of MRI particularly among young age groups is needed to make a diagnosis.

Detrimental Outcomes of Unmasking Cryptococcal Meningitis With Recent ART Initiation

BACKGROUND

Increased antiretroviral therapy (ART) availability has been associated with more patients developing cryptococcosis after ART initiation. Despite this changing epidemiology, data regarding cryptococcal meningitis in those already receiving ART are limited. We compared clinical presentations and outcomes among ART-naïve and ART-experienced Ugandans.

METHODS

We prospectively enrolled 605 HIV-infected persons with first-episode cryptococcal meningitis from August 2013 to May 2017 who received amphotericin-based combination therapy. We classified participants by ART status and ART duration and compared groups for 2-week survival.

RESULTS

Overall, 46% (281/605) of participants were receiving ART at presentation. Compared with those not receiving ART, those receiving ART had higher CD4 counts (P < .001) and lower cerebrospinal fluid fungal burdens (P < .001). Of those receiving ART, 56% (156/281) initiated ART within 6 months, and 18% (51/281) initiated ART within 14 days. Two-week mortality did not differ by ART status (27% in both ART-naïve and ART-experienced%; P > .99). However, 47% (24/51) of those receiving ART for ≤14 days died within 2 weeks, compared with 19% (20/105) of those receiving ART for 15-182 days and 26% (32/125) of those receiving ART for >6 months (P < .001). Among persons receiving ART for >6 months, 87% had HIV viral loads >1000 copies/mL.

CONCLUSIONS

Cryptococcosis after ART initiation is common in Africa. Patients initiating ART who unmask cryptococcal meningitis are at a high risk of death. Immune recovery in the setting of central nervous system infection is detrimental, and management of this population requires further study. Implementing pre-ART cryptococcal antigen screening is urgently needed to prevent cryptococcal meningitis after ART initiation.

Delta-like 1 protein, vitamin D binding protein and fetuin for detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis meningitis

AIM

Tuberculosis meningitis (TBM) diagnosis is difficult, new biomarkers are needed. We evaluated the diagnostic utility of delta-like 1 protein (DLL1), vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) and fetuin.

METHODS

Biomarker concentrations were measured by ELISA in cryopreserved cerebrospinal fluid from 139 HIV-infected Ugandans with suspected meningitis. TBM was diagnosed by GeneXpert MTB/Rif or culture. Cohort diagnoses included TBM (n = 22), cryptococcal (n = 71), or aseptic meningitis (n = 16) and no meningitis (n = 30).

RESULTS

DLL1 (cut-off value 1150 pg/ml) provided 32% sensitivity and 98% specificity. Adding fetuin, cryptococcal antigen and IFN-γ resulted in sensitivities of 36, 63 and 76% with specificities of 98, 90 and 92%, respectively. VDBP (cut-off value 2.0 μg/ml) provided 81% sensitivity and 68% specificity while fetuin (cut-off value 2 μg/ml) provided a sensitivity of 86% and specificity of 68%.

CONCLUSION

CSF DLL1, VDBP and fetuin exhibited fair diagnostic performance for TBM diagnosis.

Cerebral Oximetry for Detecting High-mortality Risk Patients with Cryptococcal Meningitis

Background

Cryptococcus is the commonest cause of adult meningitis in Africa, with 50%–70% experiencing increased intracranial pressure. Cerebral oximetry is a noninvasive near-infrared spectroscopy technology to monitor percent regional cerebral tissue oxygenation (rSO₂). We assessed if cerebral oximetry predicts meningitis mortality.

Methods

We performed cerebral oximetry within 14 days of cryptococcal meningitis diagnosis on 121 Ugandans from April 2016 to September 2017. We evaluated baseline rSO₂ association with mortality by multivariable logistic regression and correlation with other clinical factors. We compared groups formed by initial rSO₂ <30% vs ≥30% for longitudinal change with mixed effects models. We measured change in %rSO₂ before and after lumbar puncture (LP).

Results

The median initial rSO₂ (interquartile range) was 36% (29%–42%), and it was <30% in 29% (35/121). For 30-day mortality, the unadjusted odds ratio (per 5% increase in rSO₂) was 0.73 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.58 to 0.91; P = .005). Those with initial rSO₂ <30% had 3.4 (95% CI, 1.5 to 8.0) higher odds of 30-day mortality than those with initial rSO₂ ≥30%. Hemoglobin correlated with initial rSO₂ (rho = .54; P < .001), but rSO₂ did not correlate with pulse oximetry, intracranial pressure, cerebral perfusion pressure, or quantitative cerebrospinal fluid culture, and rSO₂ was unchanged pre/post–lumbar punctures. The longitudinal rSO₂ measurements change was 15% (95% CI, 12% to 18%) lower in the group with initial rSO₂ <30%.

Conclusions

Individuals with cryptococcal meningitis and low cerebral oximetry (rSO₂ < 30%) have high mortality. Cerebral oximetry may be useful as a prognostic marker of mortality. Targeted interventions to improve rSO₂ should be tested in trials to try to decrease mortality in meningitis.

Evaluation of a point-of-care immunoassay test kit 'StrongStep' for cryptococcal antigen detection

Background

HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis is the leading cause of adult meningitis in Sub-Saharan Africa, accounting for 15%–20% of AIDS-attributable mortality. The development of point-of-care assays has greatly improved the screening and diagnosis of cryptococcal disease. We evaluated a point-of-care immunoassay, StrongStep (Liming Bio, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China) lateral flow assay (LFA), for cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) detection in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma.

Methods

We retrospectively tested 143 CSF and 77 plasma samples collected from HIV-seropositive individuals with suspected meningitis from 2012–2016 in Uganda. We prospectively tested 90 plasma samples collected from HIV-seropositive individuals with CD4 cell count <100 cells/μL from 2016–2017 as part of a cryptococcal antigenemia screening program. The StrongStep CrAg was tested against a composite reference standard of positive Immy CrAg LFA (Immy, Norman, OK, USA) or CSF culture with statistical comparison by McNemar’s test.

Results

StrongStep CrAg had a 98% (54/55) sensitivity and 90% (101/112) specificity in plasma (P = 0.009, versus reference standard). In CSF, the StrongStep CrAg had 100% (101/101) sensitivity and 98% (41/42) specificity (P = 0.99). Adjusting for the cryptococcal antigenemia prevalence of 9% in Uganda and average cryptococcal meningitis prevalence of 37% in Sub-Saharan Africa, the positive predictive value of the StrongStep CrAg was 50% in plasma and 96% in CSF.

Conclusions

We found the StrongStep CrAg LFA to be a sensitive assay, which unfortunately lacked specificity in plasma. In lower prevalence settings, a majority of positive results from blood would be expected to be false positives.

Prognostic implications of baseline anaemia and changes in haemoglobin concentrations with amphotericin B therapy for cryptococcal meningitis

OBJECTIVES

Anaemia represents a common toxicity with amphotericin B-based induction therapy in HIV-infected persons with cryptococcal meningitis. We sought to examine the impact of amphotericin-related anaemia on survival.

METHODS

We used data from Ugandan and South African trial participants to characterize the variation of haemoglobin concentrations from diagnosis to 12 weeks post-diagnosis. Anaemia severity was classified based on the haemoglobin concentration at cryptococcal meningitis diagnosis, and nadir haemoglobin values during amphotericin induction. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate 2- and 10-week mortality risk. We also estimated 10-week mortality risk among participants with nadir haemoglobin < 8.5 g/dL during amphotericin induction and who survived ≥ 2 weeks post-enrolment.

RESULTS

The median haemoglobin concentration at meningitis diagnosis was 11.5 g/dL [interquartile range (IQR) 9.7-13 g/dL; n = 311] with a mean decline of 4.2 g/dL [95% confidence interval (CI) -4.6 to -3.8; P < 0.001; n = 148] from diagnosis to nadir value among participants with baseline haemoglobin ≥ 8.5 g/dL. The median haemoglobin concentration was 8.1 g/dL (IQR 6.5-9.5 g/dL) at 2 weeks, increasing to 9.4 g/dL (IQR 8.2-10.9 g/dL) by 4 weeks and continuing to increase to 12 weeks. Among participants with haemoglobin < 8.5 g/dL at diagnosis, mortality risk was elevated at 2 weeks [hazard ratio (HR) 2.7; 95% CI 1.5-4.9; P < 0.01] and 10 weeks (HR 1.8; 95% CI 1.1-2.2; P = 0.03), relative to those with haemoglobin ≥ 8.5 g/dL. New-onset anaemia occurring with amphotericin therapy did not have a statistically significant association with 10-week mortality (HR 2.0; 95% CI 0.5-9.1; P = 0.4).

CONCLUSIONS

Amphotericin induced significant haemoglobin declines, which were mostly transient and did not impact 10-week mortality. Individuals with moderate to life-threatening anaemia at baseline had a higher mortality risk at 2 and 10 weeks post-enrolment.

Reproducibility of CSF quantitative culture methods for estimating rate of clearance in cryptococcal meningitis

Quantitative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cultures provide a measure of disease severity in cryptococcal meningitis. The fungal clearance rate by quantitative cultures has become a primary endpoint for phase II clinical trials. This study determined the inter-assay accuracy of three different quantitative culture methodologies. Among 91 participants with meningitis symptoms in Kampala, Uganda, during August-November 2013, 305 CSF samples were prospectively collected from patients at multiple time points during treatment. Samples were simultaneously cultured by three methods: (1) St. George's 100 mcl input volume of CSF with five 1:10 serial dilutions, (2) AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) method using 1000, 100, 10 mcl input volumes, and two 1:100 dilutions with 100 and 10 mcl input volume per dilution on seven agar plates; and (3) 10 mcl calibrated loop of undiluted and 1:100 diluted CSF (loop). Quantitative culture values did not statistically differ between St. George-ACTG methods (P= .09) but did for St. George-10 mcl loop (P< .001). Repeated measures pairwise correlation between any of the methods was high (r≥0.88). For detecting sterility, the ACTG-method had the highest negative predictive value of 97% (91% St. George, 60% loop), but the ACTG-method had occasional (∼10%) difficulties in quantification due to colony clumping. For CSF clearance rate, St. George-ACTG methods did not differ overall (mean -0.05 ± 0.07 log10CFU/ml/day;P= .14) on a group level; however, individual-level clearance varied. The St. George and ACTG quantitative CSF culture methods produced comparable but not identical results. Quantitative cultures can inform treatment management strategies.

Gastrointestinal cryptococcoma - Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome or cryptococcal relapse in a patient with AIDS?

The introduction of antiretroviral therapy (ART) may lead to unusual paradoxical and unmasking presentations of opportunistic infections. Intra-abdominal cryptococcosis is a rare manifestation of Cryptococcus. We present the case of an HIV-infected patient on ART, with a history of cryptococcal meningitis who presented with subacute, worsening abdominal pain during immune recovery. This evolved into chronic abdominal pain, with thickened bowel, and abdominal lymphadenopathy, while receiving empiric tuberculosis treatment. At 6-months, he developed intestinal perforation due to a histologically confirmed cryptococcoma.

Patients with nodding syndrome in Uganda improve with symptomatic treatment: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

Nodding syndrome (NS) is a poorly understood neurological disorder affecting thousands of children in Africa. In March 2012, we introduced a treatment intervention that aimed to provide symptomatic relief. This intervention included sodium valproate for seizures, management of behaviour and emotional difficulties, nutritional therapy and physical rehabilitation. We assessed the clinical and functional outcomes of this intervention after 12 months of implementation.

DESIGN

This was a cross-sectional study of a cohort of patients with NS receiving the specified intervention. We abstracted preintervention features from records and compared these with the current clinical status. We performed similar assessments on a cohort of patients with other convulsive epilepsies (OCE) and compared the outcomes of the two groups.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants were patients with WHO-defined NS and patients with OCE attending the same centres.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with seizure freedom (≥1 month without seizures). Secondary outcome measures included a reduction in seizure frequency, resolution of behaviour and emotional difficulties, and independence in basic self-care.

RESULTS

Patients with NS had had a longer duration of symptoms (median 5 (IQR 3, 6) years) compared with those with OCE (4 (IQR 2, 6) years), p<0.001. The intervention resulted in marked improvements in both groups; compared to the preintervention state, 121/484 (25%) patients with NS achieved seizure freedom and there was a >70% reduction in seizure frequency; behaviour and emotional difficulties resolved in 194/327 (59%) patients; 193/484 (40%) patients had enrolled in school including 17.7% who had earlier withdrawn due to severe seizures, and over 80% had achieved independence in basic self-care. These improvements were, however, less than that in patients with OCE of whom 243/476 (51.1%) patients were seizure free and in whom the seizure frequency had reduced by 86%.

CONCLUSIONS

Ugandan children with NS show substantial clinical and functional improvements with symptomatic treatments suggesting that NS is probably a reversible encephalopathy.

AIDS-related mycoses: the way forward

The contribution of fungal infections to the morbidity and mortality of HIV-infected individuals is largely unrecognized. A recent meeting highlighted several priorities that need to be urgently addressed, including improved epidemiological surveillance, increased availability of existing diagnostics and drugs, more training in the field of medical mycology, and better funding for research and provision of treatment, particularly in developing countries.

Central nervous system cryptococcoma in a Ugandan patient with Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Mortality due to AIDS-related Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is often >50% in low-middle income countries. Dissemination of CM can result in intracranial mass lesions known as cryptococcoma. Patients who develop cryptococcomas often have worse outcomes when compared to patients with cryptococcosis without cryptococcoma. We describe a cryptococcoma in the central nervous system (CNS) in a Ugandan patient with AIDS, and review the diagnosis and management with special focus on difficulties encountered in low or middle-income countries.

Diagnosis and Management of Cryptococcal Relapse

Despite improvements in the antifungal regimens and the roll out of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in sub-Saharan Africa, mortality due to cryptococcal meningitis remains high. Relapse of an initially successfully treated infection contributes to this mortality and is often a clinical dilemma in differentiating between paradoxical immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) and culture-positive relapse or treatment failure. Herein, we present a clinical case scenario and review the case definitions, differential diagnosis, and management of relapse with an emphasis on the current diagnostic and management strategies. We also highlight the challenges of resistance testing and management of refractory relapse cases. The risk of relapse is influenced by: 1) the choice of induction therapy, with higher mortality risk with fluconazole monotherapy which can select for resistance; 2) non-adherence to or lack of secondary prophylaxis; 3) failure of linkage-to-care or retention-in-care of HIV ART programs.

Challenges in diagnosis and management of Cryptococcal immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) in resource limited settings

In many resource-limited settings, cryptococcal meningitis (CM) contributes up to 20% of all deaths with further complications due to Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome (IRIS). We present a case report on a patient who developed CM-IRIS and then subsequent CM-relapse with a fluconazole-resistant organism and then later CM-IRIS once again, manifesting as cystic cryptococcomas, hydrocephalus, and sterile CSF. In this case we, demonstrate that CM-IRIS and persistent low level cryptococcal infection are not mutually exclusive phenomena. The management of IRIS with corticosteroids may increase the risk of culture positive CM-relapse which may further increase the risk of recurrent IRIS and resulting complications including death. We also highlight the role of imaging and fluconazole resistance testing in patients with recurrent meningitis and the importance of CSF cultures in guiding treatment decisions.