Determination of cryptococcal antigen in newly diagnosed HIV infected patients attending Specialist Hospital Sokoto North-Western Nigeria

Abstract Cryptococcal Meningitis (CM), an infection and inflammation of the meninges, predominantly affects individuals with compromised immune systems, particularly HIV/AIDS patients. This study aims to assess the CD4 count of newly diagnosed HIV patients, prevalence of cryptococcal antigen in those with low CD4 counts, and socioeconomic risk factors associated with cryptococcal diseases in Sokoto, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 154 newly diagnosed HIV-positive patients at Specialist Hospital Sokoto, utilizing blood samples for CD4 count and cryptococcal antigen detection via lateral flow assay. The study found that 38.2% of patients with CD4 < 200 cells/µL were positive for cryptococcal antigen, highlighting a significant association between low CD4 count and cryptococcal infection ( p value 0.000). The prevalence was highest among the 31–40 years age group (47.6%) and married individuals (61.9%), although no significant associations were found with age or marital status. Socioeconomic factors revealed higher prevalence among Hausa/Fulani (85.7%) and individuals with informal education (66.7%). The study underscores the necessity of routine cryptococcal antigen screening in HIV clinics to reduce CM-related morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis and preventive interventions are crucial to address the substantial burden of cryptococcal infection among HIV patients in Sokoto State, Nigeria.