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[Penicilliosis in Laos]

Emmanuel Clyti1, Khamphang Sayavong, Didier Monchy

  • 1Institut Guyanais de Dermatologie Tropicale, Service de Dermatologie, Centre Hospitalier de Cayenne. c.emmanuel@voila.fr

Presse Medicale (Paris, France : 1983)
|March 22, 2006
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Penicilliosis, a fungal infection caused by Penicillium marneffei, is reported for the first time in Laos in an HIV-positive patient. This highlights the importance of accessible diagnostic methods for opportunistic infections in Southeast Asia.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Penicilliosis is a deep mycosis caused by Penicillium marneffei, a fungus endemic to Southeast Asia.
  • It is a significant opportunistic infection in individuals with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in the region.
  • The study reports the first documented case of penicilliosis in Laos.

Observation:

  • A Laotian woman with HIV and tuberculosis presented with cough, fever, and lymphadenopathy.
  • Diagnosis was confirmed via lymph node smear using RAL 555 stain and histological examination.
  • The patient received successful treatment with ketoconazole.

Findings:

  • This case confirms the presence of Penicillium marneffei infection in Laos.
  • Penicilliosis is likely underestimated as an opportunistic infection in HIV-positive individuals in Laos.
  • The RAL 555 staining method is a simple, rapid, and cost-effective diagnostic tool.

Implications:

  • Highlights the need for increased awareness and surveillance of penicilliosis in Laos.
  • Emphasizes the utility of basic diagnostic techniques in resource-limited settings for managing opportunistic mycoses.
  • Underscores the significant burden of opportunistic infections in HIV patients in Southeast Asia.

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