Question
A: Cryptococcus neoformans cannot be cultured. R: Rapid diagnosis of Cryptococcal meningitis can be done on CSF sample by India Ink preparation.
Answer
- [x] d) A is false but R is true
Assertion is false: Cryptococcus neoformans CAN be cultured — it grows readily on Sabouraud dextrose agar, producing mucoid colonies, and culture (along with India ink and CrAg testing) is one of the standard laboratory diagnostic methods used for confirmation. Reason is true: rapid diagnosis of cryptococcal meningitis can indeed be achieved on CSF by India ink preparation — direct microscopy demonstrating encapsulated budding yeast cells (a clear halo/capsule against the black background), a classical rapid bedside test, though cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) testing is now generally preferred for its higher sensitivity.