Emerging Infections Network Survey of Screening for Cryptococcal Antigenemia, United States, 2024

Emerg Infect Dis. 2025 Jul;31(7):1493-1495. doi: 10.3201/eid3107.250295.

Abstract

We polled infectious disease specialists about cryptococcal antigen screening for patients initiating HIV antiretroviral therapy. Of 215 respondents, 33% reported typically obtaining screening for patients with CD4 counts <200 cells/mm3 and 63% for counts <100 CD4 cells/mm3. Uncertainty about cryptococcal antigen screening benefits and recommendations suggests opportunities for education and increased screening.

Keywords: Cryptococcus; HIV; HIV/AIDS and other retroviruses; United States; antigen; cryptococcosis; diagnosis; fungi; surveys and questionnaires.

MeSH terms

  • Antigens, Fungal* / blood
  • Antigens, Fungal* / immunology
  • Communicable Diseases, Emerging* / diagnosis
  • Communicable Diseases, Emerging* / epidemiology
  • Cryptococcosis* / diagnosis
  • Cryptococcosis* / epidemiology
  • Cryptococcus* / immunology
  • HIV Infections / complications
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Mass Screening*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • United States / epidemiology

Substances

  • Antigens, Fungal