Related Experiment Videos
Human histoplasmosis in Egypt-a preliminary serologic survey
The Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
|November 1, 1976
Summary
Histoplasma antibodies were detected in 3% of patients with chest disorders. This suggests histoplasmosis may be misdiagnosed as tuberculosis in pulmonary lesions.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonary Medicine
Background:
- Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection that can affect the lungs.
- Accurate diagnosis of pulmonary lesions is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of histoplasma antibodies in patients with chest disorders.
- To assess the potential for misdiagnosis of histoplasmosis as tuberculosis.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples from 441 patients were tested for histoplasma antibodies using the complement fixation test.
- Patients were categorized based on symptoms (chest disorders, fever of unknown origin) and chest x-ray findings.
Main Results:
- Histoplasma antibodies were found in 13 (3%) of the 441 patients.
- All positive cases were from the group of 266 patients with chest disorders, particularly those with positive chest x-ray findings.
- No positive cases were identified in the 175 patients with fevers of unknown origin.
Conclusions:
- The presence of histoplasma antibodies in a subset of patients with chest disorders indicates a potential role for histoplasmosis in pulmonary conditions.
- Clinicians should consider histoplasmosis in the differential diagnosis of pulmonary lesions, especially when tuberculosis is suspected.