How To Prevent Cryptococcal Meningitis When You Are Hiv Positive

Here's a taste of what TheBody.com has to offer on this topic:

Get the Facts

Cryptococcal Meningitis

The Bottom Line Cryptococcal meningitis occurs most often in people with CD4 cell counts below 50. Although antifungal drugs can prevent cryptococcal meningitis, they are usually not used because of their high cost and the risk of developing drug-resistant yeast infections. If you get meningitis, early diagnosis might allow treatment with less toxic drugs. Contact your health care provider if you have headaches, a stiff neck, vision problems,...

Ask the Experts

Cryptococcal / Cryptococcal Meningitis

My incarcerated friend has HIV, t-cell ct 348, and no infections to date. Last week he received a positive test for the cyrptococcal microbe, and tho he is the "imate expert" on all sorts of current treatments, he has NO knowledge of this...

Response from Cal Cohen, M.D., M.S.

Harvard Medical School

You are probably referring to Cryptococcus neoformans, the cause of cryptococcal meningitis. Cryptococcus is yeast or fungus which you get breathing it into your lungs. You can't really avoid it-- it's common in the soil and in pigeon... Read more »

Cryptococcal Meningitis and HIV

Hello, doctor: my husband was infected whith Cryptococcal Meningitis and I'm really concerned about his health. He's been under treatment for almost two years now and he refuses to show me his pack of pills. I know hes taking...

Response from Keith Henry, M.D.

University of Minnesota, School of Medicine

Stocrine is efavirenz which is a medicine used exclusively for HIV infection. Cryptococcal meningitis is an AIDS defining condition in someone who is HIV+. I would encourage you to either attend clinic with your husband or talk to a counselor at... Read more »

cryptococcal Meningitis (HIV Negative)

My husband died 2 weeks ago from cryptococcal Meningitis he was only 41 & he DID NOT have HIV. He worked inside a Brewery. The guys would have to go up and clean the roof and silos because of built up bird droppings. (Do they need to hire...

Response from Andrew T. Pavia, M.D.

University of Utah, School of Medicine

I am very sad to hear of your loss. I don't know if any of the anwers will help heal that pain.Cryptococcal infections can occur in people who are on steroids, have lupus, cancer, leukemia, have organ transplants, or have congenital immune... Read more »

Recurring cryptococcal meningitis

My brother was diagnosed with cryptococcal meningitis and later HIV/AIDS in September last year on admission to hospital on 1st September 1999. He was put on amphotericin drug for two weeks and fluconazole thereafter, he was started on Combivir....

Response from Judith Feinberg, M.D.

University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine

I don't think your brother has been optimally treated for either his cryptococcal meningitis or his HIV disease. He may be vomiting because he has increased pressure inside his brain ("intracranial pressure"). The way to treat this... Read more »

Go to Ask the Experts »

Connect With Others

My stepdad w/ meningitis

Posted by Anonymous, 2 Replies

I'm really in a sad mood now. About 7 months ago my stepdad was diagnosed with cryptoccocal meningitis. Someone who has always been free-spirited, outgoing and energetic..he's now just in and out of the hospital on so much medication it keeps him... Read more »

injection of hiv from hiv positive person

Posted by Anonymous, 3 Replies

I was at a party injecting drugs. I shared the needle with 2 other people. Later i found out that the guy i shared the needle with was hiv positive. I know i have to get tested. Is it 100% chance that i am infected since his hiv blood went... Read more »

I just have HIV-POSITIVE tests

Posted by Anonymous, 1 Reply

I just have HIV-POSITIVE tests ,I lived with him 2 years ago and sometimes we didn't use condom for prevention and sometimes we had sex by oral and anal ,he had chronic diarrhoer over 8 month , does he has positive ?

Read more »

HIV Health Promotion Coordinator Position

Posted by Terri1

The HIV/AIDS Care, Treatment, and Housing Program within the Bureau of HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control of the New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene has a vacancy for an Administrative Staff Analyst (Non-Managerial), HIV Health... Read more »

Connect on Our Bulletin Boards »

Tools

My Health Tracker

Assess Your Risk for HIV

Find Local HIV/AIDS Services

Resource Centers

Guides for People With HIV

View All of Our Guides >>