Integrated healthcare approach can curb the increasing cases of cryptococcosis in Africa

PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2022 Aug 25;16(8):e0010625. doi: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010625. eCollection 2022 Aug.

Abstract

Cryptococcosis is a neglected tropical infection and a major cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in HIV-positive persons in Africa. Efforts to manage HIV infection have not had any significant impact on the fatalities due to cryptococcosis. An integrated healthcare approach that includes universal care coverage for Africans, expanded national care guidelines to include CrAg screening for vulnerable groups in all African countries, collaborative research, infection surveillance, and data sharing within Africa will mark a turnaround point.

MeSH terms

  • Africa / epidemiology
  • Antigens, Fungal
  • Cryptococcosis* / diagnosis
  • Cryptococcosis* / epidemiology
  • Cryptococcosis* / prevention & control
  • Cryptococcus*
  • Delivery of Health Care, Integrated*
  • HIV Infections* / epidemiology
  • HIV Infections* / prevention & control
  • Humans

Substances

  • Antigens, Fungal

Grants and funding

The author(s) received no specific funding for this work.