AIDS and cryptococcosis (Zaire, 1977)
Vandepitte, J.; Verwilghen, R.; Zachee, P.
Lancet 1(8330): 925-926
1983
ISSN/ISBN: 0140-6736 PMID: 6132238 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(83)91349-1Document Number: 420155
It is noted that over the last 2 yr at least 12 Zairian patients have been admitted to hospitals in Belgium with clinical features suggestive of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Cryptococcosis was the most prominant opportunistic infection. A fatal case of generalized Cryptococcus neoformans infection in a 34-yr-old woman from Zaire and seen in Belgium during 1977 is reported. Immunological findings met the essential criteria for AIDS. Three of her children also had an immune dysfunction. It is noted that as only the wealthier families in Zaire can afford medical care in Europe these patients may be the tip of an epidemiological iceberg.