ASLM to Host Satellite Session at ICASA 2013

Cryptococcosis: Preventing a Deadly Fungal Disease

The African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM) would like to invite you to attend a satellite session on the importance of early detection for decreasing mortality associated with cryptococcal meningitis at ICASA 2013.

Click here to read ASLM’s ICASA 2013 Satellite Session Invitation.

Cryptococcal meningitis is a leading cause of HIV-related death in sub-Saharan Africa, causing up to 600,000 deaths per year (50%-70% mortality rate). Although this fungal disease cannot be prevented, early asymptomatic cryptococcal disease can be detected through cryptococcal antigen screening and treated with antifungal medications. Recently, a new rapid, highly sensitive, and inexpensive dipstick test for detection of cryptococcal antigen has improved the cost-effectiveness of screening, an approach which is now recommended by the World Health Organization in high cryptococcal burden settings. Screening is a national priority in South Africa and is included in their 2012-2016 National Strategic Plan for HIV/AIDS, STIs and TB. In September 2012, South Africa started phased implementation of the screening programme, and several other countries in Africa and Asia have since begun implementing cryptococcal activities in response to these recent developments.

Monday, 9 December 2013
7:00am – 8:30am
Venue: CTICC, Ballroom West
Cape Town, South Africa

For more information, please send us an Email