What is it about?
People with advanced HIV disease (AHD) (CD4 ≤ 200 cells/mm3 or WHO stage III/IV) are at higher risk of developing cryptococcal meningitis and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended screening for this infection. Among 18,820 people with AHD in Africa, nearly 60% screened for CrAg, Of those who tested positive for CrAg, 75% underwent lumbar puncture procedure and those who were negative for CrAg, 85% initiated preventive therapy.
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Why is it important?
Compliance of WHO guidelines in the management of patients with cryptococcal meningitis is sub-optimal in Africa. Our results indicates missed opportunity and gaps in diagnostic follow-up. Emphasis on improving CrAg screening is critical given its proven cost-effective benefits.
Perspectives
It was great pleasure collaborate with global health colleagues from Africa. This clinical audit type of research will be stimulating to healthcare professionals to minimize missed opportunities and improve patient care.
Zuhura Ally
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Systematic review on the compliance of WHO guidelines in the management of patients with advanced HIV disease in Africa: The case of cryptococcal antigen screening, PLOS One, January 2025, PLOS,
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0313453.
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