Diagnosis of cryptococcal meningitis by cytologic methods: an old technique revisited.

In six patients with cryptococcal meningitis, diagnosis was made by routine cytologic examination of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). A seventh patient had a false-positive cryptococcal antigen titer, and no organism was seen on SCF examination. The patient had herpes simplex encephalitis on brain biopsy. Cytologic examination is recommended whenever cryptococcal meningitis is suspected.