Image Credit: Stephanie Rossow, MSMI
Background
Cryptococcosis and histoplasmosis are important public health problems globally, especially for people with advanced HIV disease (AHD). For people with AHD, these diseases are associated with high mortality, especially in parts of the world where gold-standard diagnosis and treatment are not routinely available. The diagnosis and treatment of these diseases is challenging, but new diagnostic tools and recommendations for treatment have the potential to improve patient outcomes.
Purpose
The goal of this virtual training is to provide an overview of cryptococcosis and histoplasmosis. This self-guided e-learning course introduces learners to the fungal pathogens Cryptococcus and Histoplasma, including modules covering its background, epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment, and infection control approaches. This course focuses primarily on these fungal diseases as opportunistic infections of people living with HIV.
Learning Objectives
- Describe the public health burden of HIV-associated cryptococcosis and histoplasmosis
- Describe the signs and symptoms of cryptococcal meningitis and histoplasmosis
- Describe screening and diagnostic methods for cryptococcosis and histoplasmosis
- Describe recommendations for treatment of cryptococcal meningitis and disseminated histoplasmosis
- Describe the steps for performing cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) lateral flow assays, histoplasma urine antigen lateral flow assays, and an enzyme immunoassay for histoplasma urine antigen
Language
English
Format
This self-guided e-learning course consists of five interactive modules designed for learners to complete at their own pace. The modules do not need to be completed sequentially. There is no registration, assessment, or certification for this course.
Audience
Healthcare providers, epidemiologists, laboratory staff, and other interested public health professionals.
Time Required
Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes total to complete all modules. Modules do not have to be completed in one sitting. Learners can start and stop as needed but must note where to resume the course, as the place will not be saved between sessions.
