Investigate The Value Of Three Capsular Antigen Detection Methods In Diagnosis And Efficacy Assessment In Patients With Eryptococcal Meningoencephalitis

ObjectiveTo assess the value of different kinds of cryptococcal capsular antigen detection methods in diagnosing and evaluating curative effect of the patients with Cryptococcal meningoencephalitis.MethodsCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were collected from 57 patients with central nervous system infection hospitalized in Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital from October 2012 to March 2015, The cryptococcal capsular antigen in CSF were detected by Lateral flow assay (LFA), Latex agglutination test(LA) and Enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Follow-up study was achieved in 10 patients by detecting the samples of their CSF using LA and EIA, so that the dynamic changes of the antigen level could be obtained and observed during the treatment.ResultsScreening:The sensitivity of LFA and LA were both 95%, and the specificity were both 100%; the sensitivity and specificity of EIA were both 100%, respectively; Fellow-up detection:As patients went well, the decreasing processes of the level of cryptococcal capsular polysaccharide antigen detected by LA or EIA was similar with each other, The cryptococcal antigens remained detectable after India ink staining and CSF culture turned negative.ConclusionsAll the three different methods are of great importance for the early diagnosis of cryptococcal meningoencephalitis. LFA should be recommended for screening the disease. Follow-up study by detecting the antigen level of CSF is valued in assessing the treatment efficacy of cryptococcal diseases.