Cryptococcal meningitis is a devastating disease in AIDS patients, with a mortality of 12% in the U.S. and 20-90% in resource-limited settings. Cryptococcosis can exist as a latent infection with an average cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) positivity of 21 days prior to development of symptoms, although some studies suggest evidence of latency for years. Recent research found an 8-18% prevalence of CrAg+ in asymptomatic AIDS patients in Africa and Asia with CD4-/<100 cells/mm3. CrAg+ predicted development of symptomatic cryptococcal disease and subsequent mortality, while fluconazole use was associated with increased survival. Asymptomatic CrAg+ has not been characterized in HIV-infected patients in the United States. This study seeks to determine the prevalence and natural history of asymptomatic CrAg+ in the United States. For further investigation of latent cryptococcal disease and immune-mediated risks of reactivation, development of a murine model of latent cryptococcal disease is proposed.
Aims : 1) To determine the prevalence of asymptomatic CrAg among AIDS patients with CD4<200 cells/mm3 in the United States, and to characterize the risk factors associated with the development of symptomatic cryptococcal disease. 2) To develop a murine model of latent cryptococcal infection, and use CrAg titers to monitor disease activity and quantify disease burden with immunosuppression and subsequent restoration of immune function. Research Design:
In Aim 1, stored plasma samples of asymptomatic HIV patients with CD4 <200 cells/mm3 enrolled in U.S.-based ACTG studies will be screened for CrAg to determine prevalence. To assess risk factors for developing disease, subjects positive for baseline CrAg who did, and did not develop cryptococcal disease will be compared with respect with serial CrAg titers, CD4, VL, timing of antiretroviral therapy, and fluconazole use.
In Aim 2, a murine model of latent cryptococcal infection will be developed by inhalationally infecting mice with C. neoformans to establish persistent, low level infection. Latently infected mice will be immunosuppressed with anti-CD4 antibody, with one group of mice subjected to persistent CD4-depletion, while the other group will have immunosuppression lifted. Both groups will be followed for reactivation, persistence or spontaneous resolution of disease. Serial quantitative CrAg lateral flow assays (LFAs) will be followed in whole blood, serum and urine, and correlated with fungal burden in mouse organs. Implications: This study will provide the first description of asymptomatic cryptococcal disease in the United States, and is a necessary step towards developing appropriate treatment guidelines for CrAg+ HIV/AIDS patients in the United States. Development of a murine model that allows for manipulation of immune status will contribute to a greater understanding of the disease in AIDS patients, and provide a valuable tool for further study of pathogenesis and disease management.
Recent research from Asia and Africa suggests that screening for cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) in asymptomatic, severely immunosuppressed HIV-infected individuals, and treatment of those who are CrAg positive, can prevent development of a devastating fungal infection. We propose using stored serum samples from AIDS Clinical Trial Group studies to determine the prevalence, geographic distribution, and risk factors for progression of asymptomatic cryptococcal infection in the United States. We also propose developing a mouse model of latent cryptococcal infection to better understand the immune triggers of developing active disease, and to better characterize CrAg-titers with fungal disease burden. These studies will lead to further understanding of latent cryptococcal disease, and inform the optimal management of asymptomatic disease in the United States and globally.
