We developed a guinea pig model of cryptococcal meningitis to evaluate antifungal agents. Immunosuppressed animals challenged intracranially with Cryptococcus neoformans responded to fluconazole and voriconazole. Disease was monitored by serial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cultures and quantitative organ cultures. Our model produces disseminating central nervous system disease and responds to antifungal therapy.
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, USA. kirkpatrick@uthscsa.edu