Epidemiological and TNFα polymorphism evaluation in patients with cryptococcal meningitis treated at a referral hospital in North Brazil

Rev Soc Bras Med Trop. 2019 May 30:52:e20180376. doi: 10.1590/0037-8682-0376-2018.

Abstract

Introduction: The present study evaluated the epidemiology of cryptococcal meningitis and TNFα gene polymorphisms in patients at a reference hospital in northern Brazil.

Methods: Samples from 25 patients infected with Cryptococcus spp. were collected to confirm the infection and to analyze the TNFα gene polymorphisms.

Results: Cryptococcus neoformans was detected as the predominant etiological agent (100%) in HIV-positive patients. No genetic polymorphic changes were found.

Conclusions: No correlation was observed between the analyzed TNFα polymorphisms and cryptococcal meningitis.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Brazil / epidemiology
  • Cryptococcus neoformans / genetics
  • Cryptococcus neoformans / isolation & purification
  • Female
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Meningitis, Cryptococcal / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Meningitis, Cryptococcal / epidemiology*
  • Meningitis, Cryptococcal / genetics*
  • Polymorphism, Genetic
  • Prevalence
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / genetics*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha