Serum cryptococcal antigen titre as a diagnostic tool and a predictor of mortality in HIV-infected patients with cryptococcal meningitis.

Serum CrAg titres ≥ 1:1024 not only were associated with concurrent CM but also predicted mortality. HIV-infected patients with a positive serum CrAg test during screening should receive lumbar punctures regardless of symptoms to rule out CM and patients with serum CrAg titres ≥ 1:1024 should be offered immediate care.