The role of cryptococcal latex antigen tests

A 27-year-old male inmate presented to the Kingston General Hospital emergency room with a two-week history of fever, night sweats, nausea, shortness of breath, and worsening productive cough. Upon further questioning, the patient stated he had been experiencing confusion over the past year and a recent loss of short-term memory. He was otherwise healthy. He used tobacco, heroin, cocaine, and marijuana. He reported sharing needles and receiving tattoos in prison. He had no history of HIV or hepatitis. On examination, the vital signs showed a blood pressure of 100/70, a heart rate of 80/min, a respiratory rate of 48/min, and a temperature of 38.6 degree C. His oxygen saturation was 88% on room air. He was alert and oriented with no focal neurologic deficits. His clinical exam was remarkable for oral thrush, a scabies rash, balanitis, and a small inguinal lymph node (< 1 cm). There was no meningismus.