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Updated: Aug 15, 2026
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Passive Administration of Monoclonal Antibodies Against H. capsulatum and Others Fungal Pathogens
Published on: February 14, 2011
Histoplasmosis in AIDS: advances in management
1Infectious Disease Associates of Kansas City, Missouri, USA.
AIDS Patient Care and Stds
|May 22, 2001
Summary
Histoplasmosis, a common infection in HIV patients, has seen a decline with better antiretroviral therapy. It is treated with amphotericin B or itraconazole, with itraconazole recommended for lifelong maintenance and primary prophylaxis.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
- Public Health
Background:
- Histoplasmosis is a frequent opportunistic infection in individuals with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in endemic regions.
- The incidence of histoplasmosis has decreased, correlating with advancements in antiretroviral therapy (ART).
- Infections can arise from new exposures or reactivation of latent Histoplasma capsulatum.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the epidemiology, risk factors, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of histoplasmosis in HIV-infected patients.
- To highlight the impact of antiretroviral therapy on histoplasmosis incidence.
- To outline current treatment and prophylaxis strategies.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on histoplasmosis in HIV-infected populations.
- Analysis of factors influencing incidence, including CD4 counts and antiretroviral therapy.
- Summary of diagnostic methods and therapeutic approaches.
Main Results:
- Major risk factors include low CD4 counts (< or = 150/microL), positive serology, and exposure to chicken coops.
- Suboptimal antiretroviral therapy may also be a risk factor.
- Diagnosis relies on cultures, antigen detection, or histopathology.
- Treatment involves amphotericin B or itraconazole for induction, followed by lifelong itraconazole maintenance.
- Itraconazole is effective for primary prophylaxis in patients with CD4 counts < or = 150/microL.
Conclusions:
- Antiretroviral therapy has significantly impacted the incidence of histoplasmosis in HIV patients.
- Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment, including lifelong maintenance and prophylaxis, are crucial for managing histoplasmosis.
- Understanding risk factors and clinical manifestations aids in early detection and intervention.
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