Testing for Cryptococcosis at a Major Commercial Laboratory-United States, 2019-2021.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Cryptococcosis is a serious opportunistic fungal disease, and the proportion of cases among patients with immunosuppressive conditions other than HIV or organ transplant has increased. Understanding laboratory testing patterns for cryptococcosis is useful for estimating its true burden and developing testing guidance.

Methods

We identified cryptococcosis tests (cryptococcal antigen [CrAg], cryptococcal antibody, and fungal cultures) performed at a major national commercial laboratory ordered during March 1, 2019-October 1, 2021, and analyzed test results, patient and provider features, reasons for testing, geography, and temporal trends.

Results

Among 29 180 serum CrAg tests, 4422 (15.2%) were positive, and among 10 724 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) CrAg tests,

SUBMITTER: Benedict K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9280322 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature