Cryptococcosis is a systemic infection caused by the yeast, C. neoformans¹. The natural reservoirs for C. neoformans are soil and avian feces. Inhalation of yeast cells may lead to a lung infection and possibly disseminated disease. Patients often present with devastating debilitation, especially those with an immunosuppressive syndrome. Because C. neoformans has an unusual affinity for central nervous system tissue, rapid and early detection is essential.

A qualitative or semi-quantitative, 5-minute latex agglutination test for detection of polysaccharide antigens associated with Cryptococcus neoformans infection. This test can be performed from serum or CSF specimens. This test contains both positive and negative controls, with results available in five minutes.

• Sensitive test
• Rapid test: Results are obtained within 5 minutes.
• Easy to identify: A positive test is indicated by any agglutination or clumping and clearing of the test latex immediately after 5 mins rotation step, whereas a negative test is indicated by no agglutination or clumping.
• Semi-quantitative test: The titer is the reciprocal of the last dilution which produces a positive result (agglutination).

Cryptococcus Antigen Test Kit incorporates the use of latex particles sensitized with murine (mouse) IgM monoclonal antibodies. CPS antigen in patient serum or CSF interacts with sensitized latex particles producing visible agglutination. The use of IgM monoclonal antibodies and treatment of serum with protease reduce the potential for false-positive reactions, eliminating the need to perform a companion control latex test to verify the specificity of results^5-6. This test has both diagnostic and prognostic value since progressive disease is usually accompanied by increasing antigen titers. Declining titers are usually associated with clinical improvement, with or without therapy.