The First Report on Cryptococcus Profiles of Isolates from Patients Attending Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital, South Africa

ABSTRACT Introduction Cryptococcosis is a fungal opportunistic infection that is vastly diagnosed among immune-compromised patients. Reduced susceptibility on commonly used antifungals is of concern. In the communities served by Dr. George Mukhari Tertiary (DGMT-Laboratory) Laboratory is not available. Methodology E-test method was used to determine if isolates with reduced susceptibility to antifungals fluconazole, voriconazole and amphotericin-B had emerged. A multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method was used to further identify serotypes that are circulating at Dr. George Mukhari Tertiary (DGMT-Hospital) Hospital. Results E-test strips were interpreted as resistance, intermediate or susceptible in relation to each serotype identified. Of the 50 incident isolates tested, 100% were inhibited by both voriconazole and amphotericin-B. Fluconazole was resistance to 50% of incident isolates. Conclusion C. neoformans serotype A is the predominant serotype in the area served by DGMT-Laboratory, accounting for 96% of the isolates. It is important for public health to continuously monitor resistance emergence.