Treatment of acute cryptococcal disease

Successful treatment outcome for cryptococcal disease has been available since the introduction of the polyene antifungal, amphotericin B. Over the past 15-20 years, treatment of acute cryptococcal disease has dramatically improved. Several therapeutic strategies have been introduced which improve overall outcome of therapy and help decrease the duration of treatment. Not surprisingly, most data now exists on the treatment of AIDS-associated cryptococcal disease, especially cryptococcal meningitis. Currently, amphotericin B with or without flucytosine is regarded as the best initial therapy for patients with meningitis or more severe illness, although, the azoles and other formulations of amphotericin B can considered in other situations. The choice of treatment for cryptococcal disease depends on both the anatomic sites of involvement and the host's immune status, all of which will be addressed in this article.