Harvard Catalyst Profiles

Despite advances in the treatment of patients with HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis, mortality still remains high, accounting for almost 20% of AIDS-related deaths. Ten week mortality amongst adults diagnosed with HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis is 24-40% even in the context of clinical trials. Previously, there was little to no access to appropriate anti-fungal medications and anti-retroviral medications, which were thought to be large contributors to mortality in this population. Risk factors for mortality amongst persons diagnosed with cryptococcal meningitis are well recognised and include: low glasgow coma scale (GCS) at diagnosis, anemia, TB co-infection, and CMV viraemia. Late presentation and inadequate screening are also thought to be large contributors to this mortality. Our team is investigating ways to act on these risk factors in order to improve mortality for this vulnerable population. For students who are interested, they would be asked to participate in data collection, either quantitative or qualitative, depending on their individual interests. They would also be involved in manuscript writing, and could learn about data analysis.