Divergent neuroimmune signatures in the cerebrospinal fluid predict differential gender-specific survival among patients with HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Survival among people with HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis (CM) remains low, particularly among women, despite the currently optimal use of antifungal drugs. Cryptococcus dissemination into the central nervous system [brain, spinal cord, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)] elicits the local production of cytokines, chemokines, and other biomarkers. However, no consistent diagnostic or prognostic neuroimmune signature is reported to underpin the risk of death or to identify mechanisms to improve treatment and survival. We hypothesized that distinct neuroimmune signatures in the CSF would distinguish survivors from people who died on antifungal treatment and who may benefit from tailored therapy.

Methods

We considered baseline clinical features, CSF cryptococcal

SUBMITTER: Okurut S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10752005 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature