Latex agglutination test for diagnosing cryptococcosis.

Fourteen cases of systemic cryptococcosis were admitted to Siriraj Hospital during 1987 to 1989. These included 5 male and 9 female patients aged 4-65 years. The most significant manifestation was cryptococcal meningitis and systemic lupus erythematosus was the most common underlying disease. Culture test for C. neoformans was negative after 28 days of treatment and the latex agglutination test decreased to 1+ agglutination within 49 days of treatment. The latex agglutination test may also be positive in other bacterial, fungal, connective tissue and malignant diseases. A definite diagnosis must, therefore, rely on conventional methods (finding organisms in specimens, culture for the organism). The latex agglutination test is valuable for monitoring patients (decreasing titer indicates a good response). The disease recurred in 4 cases. In cases of cryptococcal meningitis, lumbar puncture should periodically be performed to obtain cerebrospinal fluid for mycological study. In addition the patients should be observed for symptoms and signs.