Understanding long-term brain changes after a serious infection in people with HIV

Late Neurological Sequelae after Cryptococcal Meningitis

['FUNDING_R21'] · INFECTIOUS DISEASES INSTITUTE · NIH-11172596

This research looks at the lasting brain and thinking problems that can happen to people with HIV after they recover from a severe brain infection called cryptococcal meningitis.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R21']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorINFECTIOUS DISEASES INSTITUTE (nih funded)
Locations1 site (KAMPALA, UGANDA)
Trial IDNIH-11172596 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Cryptococcal meningitis is a serious brain infection that is a major cause of death for people living with HIV, especially in Africa. While many survive, we don't fully understand the long-term effects on their thinking, memory, and daily functions. This project aims to find out how common these lasting brain problems are and what factors might put people at higher risk. We also want to see if lingering signs of the infection in the body contribute to ongoing brain inflammation.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This research is relevant for adults aged 21 and older who have HIV and have previously recovered from cryptococcal meningitis.

Not a fit: Patients who have not had cryptococcal meningitis or do not have HIV would not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to improve survival and reduce long-term brain and thinking problems for people with HIV who have had cryptococcal meningitis.

How similar studies have performed: While the short-term impacts of cryptococcal meningitis are known, the long-term functional and neurocognitive outcomes are largely unclear, making this a novel area of focus.

Where this research is happening

KAMPALA, UGANDA

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.