Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) related cryptococcal meningitis in rural central Thailand--treatment difficulties and prevention strategies
Wright, P.; Inverarity, D.
Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health 38(1): 58-61
2007
ISSN/ISBN: 0125-1562 PMID: 17539247 Document Number: 606656
In 2000, cryptococcal meningitis was a common HIV related opportunistic infection in central Thailand requiring inpatient management but few patients suffering from it could afford a full course of treatment once infection had occurred. Since then, the production of generic fluconazole and highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in Thailand (and national guidelines regarding their use) is reducing the incidence of this condition and such a strategy of prevention appears much more effective than treating established disease. There remains a continuing need for health education in the region and the removal of stigma associated with this disease so that earlier detection of HIV infection and the implementation of these national guidelines can have their greatest impact.