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[Cutaneous sensitivity to histoplasmin in a Martinique hospitalized population]
L Verneuil1, A M Boisseau-Garsaud, N Desbois
1Service de Dermatologie, Hôpital Pierre Zobda-Quitman, CHU, Fort-de-France, France.
Objective:
Histoplasma capsulatum infection is considered to be endemic in the West Indies. Nevertheless, few epidemiologic studies have been conducted in this area. The histoplasmin skin test reflects the frequency of asymptomatic forms of histoplasmosis. We studied the prevalence of positive skin tests in a population of the French West Indies (Martinique).
Materials And Methods:
Forty one patients (24 females and 17 males), age range 29 to 90 years, were tested for histoplasmin skin sensitivity between August and October 1997, in the department of dermatology of Fort de France (French West Indies). Patients with immunosuppression or personal history of histoplasmosis were excluded.
Results:
Five patients had a positive skin test (12 p. 100). No significative association was found between a positive skin test and diabetes, rural occupations or exposure to bats.
Discussion:
Despite the small number of cases, related with difficulties in obtaining histoplasmin, our study showed a sensitivity level similar to medium endemic areas of the USA. The positive skin test rate is much higher than the rate reported before in West Indies, in a sample of the population under 25 years of age.
Insights
Histoplasma capsulatum infection is endemic in the West Indies. A study in Martinique found a 12% positive histoplasmin skin test rate, indicating higher prevalence than previously reported.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
Context:
- Histoplasma capsulatum is endemic in the West Indies, yet epidemiologic data are scarce.
- The histoplasmin skin test is a key indicator for asymptomatic histoplasmosis.
- Previous studies in the West Indies had limited scope.
Purpose:
- To determine the prevalence of positive histoplasmin skin tests in Martinique.
- To assess the endemicity of Histoplasma capsulatum infection in the French West Indies.
Summary:
- A 1997 study in Martinique tested 41 adults (age 29-90) for histoplasmin skin sensitivity.
- Five participants (12%) exhibited positive skin tests.
- No significant associations were found with diabetes, rural occupation, or bat exposure.
Impact:
- The observed 12% prevalence suggests a histoplasmosis sensitivity level comparable to moderately endemic US areas.
- This rate is notably higher than previously documented in younger West Indian populations.
- Highlights the need for further epidemiologic research on Histoplasma capsulatum in the region.