Cessation of secondary prophylaxis in patients with cryptococcosis

Cryptococcal disease in HIV-positive individuals is usually a consequence o f advanced immunosuppression. Treatment consists of a period of induction t herapy followed by long-term secondary prophylaxis, usually with fluconazol e. The introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy has resulted in improvements in immunological function such that the cessation of primary and secondary prophylaxis against several opportunistic infections has beco me possible. We report our experience of the cessation of secondary antifun gal prophylaxis in patients responding to highly active antiretroviral ther apy.