[The diagnosis of cryptococcosis. A comparison of 2 latex systems for antigen detection]. / Diagnóstico de criptococosis. Comparación de 2 sistemas de látex para la detección de antígeno.

A latex reactive was designed for detecting Cryptococcus neoformans antigen. It was evaluated by a comparative study with a commercial system (Meridian Diagnostic, Inc.). Total coincidence was observed with both latex systems after studying 3 sample groups: patients with cryptococcosis diagnosis, blood bank donors and patients with clinical signs of the disease. Sensitivity, specificity and stability of the latex reactives prepared were assessed. This diagnostic technique opens new perspectives for quick diagnosis in Cuba, especially for immunosuppressed patients. It will allow for timely treatment and at the same time will contribute to saving expenses in imports.

[Detection of anti-Cryptococcus neoformans antibodies in 3 groups of human sera]. / Detección de anticuerpos anti-Cryptococcus neoformans en 3 grupos de sueros humanos.

The tube agglutination (TA) technique was normalized in order to determine anti-Cryptococcus neoformans antibodies, according to Palmer et al., by employing positive and negative control sera and an antigenic suspension prepared from an autochtonous strain of Cryptococcus neoformans varneofornnans. Three groups of human sera were studied and the role of TA in detecting antibodies in the group of sera from patients with active cryptococcosis (100%) was shown. In sera from banks positiveness was only 6%, while in the group of fowl breeders, considered to be "exposed", positiveness was found to be 16%, although with low titres. A discussion is carried out about the value of this technique as a complement in the diagnosis and prognosis of cryptococcosis.