Cryptococcal meningitis (CM), a fungal disease caused by Cryptococcus spp., is 
the most common form of meningitis and a leading cause of death among persons 
with HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa. Detection of cryptococcal antigen, which is 
present several weeks before overt signs of meningitis develop, provides an 
opportunity to detect infection early. Screening persons with HIV for 
cryptococcal infection when they access healthcare can identify asymptomatic 
infected patients allowing for prompt treatment and prevention of death. A newly 
developed point-of-care assay for cryptococcal antigen, as well as growing 
evidence supporting the utility and cost-effectiveness of screening, are further 
reasons to consider broad implementation of cryptococcal screening in countries 
with a high burden of cryptococcal disease.