Cryptococcal meningitis in the central province of Papua New Guinea.

A retrospective review of cryptococcal meningitis in Papua New Guinea adults showed that the condition is at least as common as tuberculous meningitis. The majority of the patients were young and all were previously healthy. A mortality rate of more than 50% was observed despite amphotericin B therapy. Cryptococcal aetiology should be suspected and looked for in every patient with chronic meningitis in Papua New Guinea. Examining the cerebrospinal fluid for cryptococcal antigen is of value when Indian ink smear and culture are negative.