HIV/AIDS — Clinical

A 32-year-old man from Delhi presents with a 3-week history of fever, dry cough, and progressive dyspnea. He reports unprotected sexual contact 18 months ago. On examination, he is febrile (38.5°C), tachypneic (28/min), and has bilateral fine crackles on auscultation. Chest X-ray shows bilateral interstitial infiltrates with a ground-glass appearance. CD4 count is 85 cells/μL. Sputum examination is negative for acid-fast bacilli. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A 32-year-old man from Delhi presents with a 3-week history of fever, productive cough, and dyspnea. He is known to be HIV-positive with a CD4 count of 85 cells/μL (measured 2 weeks ago). On examination, he is febrile (38.5°C), tachypneic (RR 28/min), and has bilateral fine crackles on auscultation. Chest X-ray shows bilateral interstitial infiltrates with a ground-glass appearance. Arterial blood gas shows PaO₂ 65 mmHg on room air. LDH is elevated at 520 U/L. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A 28-year-old woman from Mumbai, known to be HIV-positive with CD4 count 120 cells/μL, presents with a 2-week history of progressive headache, fever, and neck stiffness. She denies photophobia. On examination, she is alert but has mild neck rigidity. CSF analysis shows: protein 180 mg/dL, glucose 25 mg/dL (serum glucose 95 mg/dL), WBC 85 cells/μL (90% lymphocytes), negative Gram stain, negative bacterial culture, and negative India ink preparation. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A 32-year-old man with HIV/AIDS (CD4 count 45 cells/μL) presents with fever, headache, and neck stiffness. CSF analysis shows lymphocytic pleocytosis with low glucose and elevated protein. India ink stain of CSF is positive. What is the most common cause of meningitis in this patient?

A 32-year-old man with HIV (CD4 count 85 cells/µL) presents with fever, headache, and neck stiffness. CSF analysis shows elevated protein (120 mg/dL), low glucose (25 mg/dL), and India ink preparation is negative. Which single feature best distinguishes cryptococcal meningitis from tuberculous meningitis in this patient?