Cryptococcal Antigen Test Revisited: Significance for Cryptococcal Meningitis Therapy Monitoring in a Tertiary Chinese Hospital

For a total of 29 non-human immunodeficiency virus 1 cryptococcal meningitis cases, titer changes in the latex agglutination test before and after therapy were reviewed along with clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, and therapy regimens. The cryptococcal antigen titer decreased for every case after therapy and was correlated to fungal clearance as defined by fungus smear and/or culture. However, cryptococcal antigen can remain at low titers for long periods of time after therapy, even when fungus smears and/or cultures become negative.