.For both patients, despite in-depth investigation (lumbar puncture, blood and urine culture), infection with C. neoformans could not be demonstrated neither by direct examination (including Indian ink staining) nor by culture. Because of their severe immunodeficiency (CD4 cell count at 12 and 29/mm3, respectively), the patients were treated with fluconazole.
Finally, two patients tested positive on serum with the LFA while EIA and LA tests returned negative and mycological cultures remained negative.