Flow Cytometry to Assess Cerebrospinal Fluid Fungal Burden in Cryptococcal Meningitis

Abstract

Fungal burden in the cerebrospinal fluid is an important determinant of mortality in cryptococcal meningitis, but its use in aiding clinical decision making is hampered by the time involved to perform quantitative cultures. Here, we demonstrate the potential of flow cytometry as a novel and rapid technique to address this issue.