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[Manifestations of histoplasmosis]
F A Claessen1, M J Vos, A M Simoons-Smit
1Afd. Inwendige geneeskunde, Academisch Ziekenhuis Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam.
Abstract:
Two patients, a 34-year old man-to-woman transsexual and a 32-year-old man, with aids presented with pulmonary symptoms, fever, serious weight loss and an oral ulcer. A third patient, a 16-year-old boy, had signs of transverse myelitis and meningitis without immunodeficiency. All were South American citizens and had disseminated histoplasmosis. After antifungal treatment they recovered, although the third patient remained a wheelchair user. If pulmonary or miliary tuberculosis is suspected in a patient originating from South America, histoplasmosis should be considered. Oral ulcers and skin lesions can be diagnostic clues. Specific stainings of direct preparations and longer-lasting cultures of various materials, especially of biopsy samples, then provide the diagnosis.
Insights
Disseminated histoplasmosis, a fungal infection, affected three South American patients, two with AIDS. Early diagnosis through oral ulcers and skin lesions, followed by antifungal treatment, is crucial for recovery.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Mycology
- Tropical Medicine
Background:
- Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection endemic in certain regions.
- Disseminated histoplasmosis can present with diverse symptoms, including pulmonary and neurological manifestations.
- Patients with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) are particularly vulnerable to disseminated fungal infections.