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Prep4USMLE Forum » USMLE Step 1 Forum » Microbiology Forum

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4 Posts

anatomy
Forum Guru

Topics: 101
Posts: 423

12/19/04 - 11:50 AM

A 33-year-old HIV-positive male complains of headache and blurred
vision. Physical exam reveals papilledema and ataxia. Head CT is normal
but CSF obtained by lumbar puncture reveals encapsulated organisms
observable with India ink. Which of the following is true concerning
this organism?
A. It can also be identified with methenamine silver stain
B. It consists of branching septate hyphae
C. It exists as a mycelial form at room temperature and as yeast at 37° C
D. It is an encapsulated nondimorphic yeast found worldwide
E. It is a nonencapsulated dimorphic yeast that reproduces by budding

also what is the name of the organism?

vermdocamit
Forum Newbie

Topics: 1
Posts: 23

12/19/04 - 12:31 PM

Did I hear somebody say "Cryptococcus" in here ?

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adeelmd
Forum Elite

Topics: 40
Posts: 399

12/19/04 - 03:15 PM

d.....

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bactitech
Forum Elite
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Topics: 25
Posts: 494

12/19/04 - 04:06 PM

Although Cryptococcus neoformans can be seen on India Ink prep, a cryptococcal antigen test is FAR more sensitive. We had a patient early this year (HIV positive) who had a positive II and Crypto. antigen. Even when his CSF cultures had cleared up, the antigen test was positive. It can pick up very low numbers of organisms, so is the test of choice for this organism.

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Clinical Microbiology since 1974

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