BlockchainWizard
Thu Jul 18 2024
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6 answers
1673
How is a cryptococcal infection diagnosed?
When it comes to diagnosing a cryptococcal infection, the process typically begins with a thorough physical examination and medical history review. The physician may inquire about symptoms such as fever, fatigue, cough, shortness of breath, and headache. Depending on the suspected site of infection, tests like blood cultures, urine cultures, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis may be ordered. Imaging studies like CT scans and MRIs may also be utilized to identify lesions in the lungs, brain, or spinal cord. Additionally, serologic tests, such as the cryptococcal antigen test, can help detect the presence of cryptococcal capsular polysaccharide in the bloodstream, which is indicative of an infection. The combination of these clinical findings, laboratory tests, and imaging studies provides the physician with a comprehensive diagnosis of a cryptococcal infection.
