Culture of Fungal Organisms from Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)
DEPARTMENT ONLY ORDER – CSF-Fungus, Fungal CSF Culture
Useful For
Cryptococcus neoformans and ssp. gatti can be an agent of meningitis, especially in immunocompromised individuals and is one of the HIV defining diseases. Because none of the presenting signs or symptoms of cryptococcal meningitis are sufficiently characteristic to distinguish it from other infections in patients with HIV, determination of the culture of CSF are useful in making a diagnosis. Cryptococcus does not stain well, due to the polysaccharide capsule, which usually surrounds the cells. Cryptococcal antigen testing is much more sensitive. Definitive identification of C. neoformans or ssp. gaatti requires isolation on culture. The systemic dimorphic fungus, Histoplasma capsulatum can also be isolated from CSF specimens on culture.
Method Name
Culture
Aliases
Fungal CSF Culture, CSF Fungus
Specimen Type
- CSF should be collected aseptically by spinal tap, performed by the physician.
- For optimal results, at least 2ml of specimen should be submitted.
- The specimen should be transported to the laboratory as soon as possible after collection.
- If the specimen cannot be plated immediately, it should be stored at either room temperature or at 30ºC.
- This allows for the continued growth and viability of the organisms.
Specimen Required
CSF (2ml) in a sterile conical CSF collection tube.
Specimen Minimum Volume
1.0 mL
Specimen Stability Information
- Transport at room temperature.
- Specimen must be received within 2 hours of collection.
*NOTE* Specimens that do not meet the above criteria will be rejected.
Rejected Due To
- Not transported at room temperature.
- Specimen not received within 2 hours of collection.
Special Instructions
- Exam includes direct smear (gram stain).
- India Ink preparations are NOT performed.
- If the specimen is being submitted to rule out Cryptococcal Meningitis, a Cryptococcal Antigen should be ordered.
- Specimens are held for a 4-week incubation period.
- Requests for fungal susceptibility testing require submittal of the isolate(s) to a reference laboratory.
- The physician must specify the anti-fungal agents to be tested.
Performing Laboratory
Glens Falls Hospital Microbiology Laboratory
Reference Values
No Growth of Fungus After 4 weeks Incubation.
Day(s) and Time(s) Performed
- 7 consecutive days the first week.
- 1x per week after for total of 4 weeks
Analytical Time
4 weeks
Specimen Retention Time
30 days
Analytical Time
4 weeks