Mycology/Parasitology USMLE Step 1 Practice Question
A 41-year-old HIV-positive man with CD4 count of 85 cells/μL presents with fever (38.9°C), headache, and neck stiffness for 2 weeks. Vital signs show BP 110/70 mmHg, HR 98/min, RR 18/min, SpO2 98% on room air. CSF analysis demonstrates elevated protein (120 mg/dL), low glucose (25 mg/dL), negative bacterial culture, and India ink staining positive for encapsulated yeast. No focal neurologic deficits are appreciated. Which organism is most likely responsible?
Answer choices
- AHistoplasmal meningitis
- BAspergillal meningitis
- CCoccidioidal meningitis
- DPneumocystis meningitis
- ECryptococcal meningitisCorrect answer
- FToxoplasmal meningitis
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