An analysis of national guidelines for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cryptococcal meningitis in sub-Saharan African countries: gaps and opportunities.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is an infection of the central nervous system that accounts for approximately 19% of AIDS-related mortality worldwide, with the highest burden being in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). In 2022, the WHO released clinical guidelines on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of CM, based on strong evidence-based studies. It is not known how these WHO guidelines are being integrated at the national level. This study aims to highlight national clinical guidelines for the prevention, diagnosis and management of CM across SSA and how these guidelines compare to WHO 2022 CM guidelines.

Methods

A comprehensive search was conducted to gather the current national clinical CM guidelines from all 46 countries in SSA. Methods to acquire copies of nation

SUBMITTER: Walker RS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12927331 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature