Epidemiology and aetiologies of cryptococcal meningitis in Africa, 1950-2017: protocol for a systematic review.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Cryptococcal meningitis is a neglected disease and an AIDS-defining illness, responsible for 15% of all AIDS-related deaths globally. In 2014, the estimated number of incident cryptococcal meningitis cases was 223 100, with 73% of them occurring in Africa. Currently available data on the prevalence, incidence, aetiologies and mortality of cryptococcal meningitis across Africa are sparse and of limited quality. We propose to conduct the first systematic review to summarise the epidemiological data available on cryptococcal meningitis and its aetiological causes in Africa.

Methods and analysis

We will search PubMed, MEDLINE, Excerpta Medica Database, ISI Web of Science, Africa Index Medicus, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health for studies on cryptococcal

SUBMITTER: Nyazika TK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6067404 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature