Cryptococcal Meningitis
Flucytosine is converted intracellularly to 5-fluorouracil and inhibits fungal DNA and RNA synthesis; combined with amphotericin B in cryptococcal meningitis to limit resistance and toxicity
What our notes say
- Flucytosine is converted intracellularly to 5-fluorouracil and inhibits fungal DNA and RNA synthesis; combined with amphotericin B in cryptococcal meningitis to limit resistance and toxicity (Medical Virology & Mycology Paper Two 2022/2023 — MKU MBMM 3300 Questions & Answ)
- Cryptococcal meningitis is the most serious form; can resemble tuberculous meningitis (Mycology Revision: Fungal Infections, Histoplasmosis & Cryptococcosis)
- More precisely, both are used to treat systemic fungal infections including cryptococcal meningitis, and both can penetrate the CNS. (Medical Mycology Q&A Section A.. )
- Cryptococcal meningitis (especially in HIV) – amphotericin B + flucytosine induction, then fluconazole maintenance (Pharmacology CRASH Course)
- CD4 <100 – Toxoplasmosis → prophylaxis/treatment with sulfadiazine + pyrimethamine; Cryptococcal meningitis → amphotericin B + flucytosine (Pharmacology CRASH Course)
- CNS (Cryptococcal meningitis): Headache, fever, neck stiffness, photophobia, altered consciousness (Medical Microbiology III Exam: Viruses, Fungi & Diagnosis)
Study material on Cryptococcal Meningitis
- Cryptococcal Meningitis: Symptoms, Causes & Fungal Treatment
- Antifungals, Antivirals, Antihelminthics & Antiprotozoals
- Pharmco Notes
- Medical Virology & Mycology Paper Two 2022/2023 — MKU MBMM 3300 Questions & Answers
- Fungal Genetics, HIV & Mycoses Epidemiology in Kenya
- Mycotoxins & Aflatoxins: Health Risks, Diagnosis & Management