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Passive Administration of Monoclonal Antibodies Against H. capsulatum and Others Fungal Pathogens
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Passive Administration of Monoclonal Antibodies Against H. capsulatum and Others Fungal Pathogens

Published on: February 14, 2011

Disseminated histoplamosis

S A Joshi1, A S Kagal, R S Bharadwaj

  • 1Department of Microbiology, B.J. Medical College, Pune, Maharashtra--411001, India.

Indian Journal of Medical Microbiology
|December 23, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Disseminated histoplasmosis, a fungal infection caused by Histoplasma capsulatum, is reported in an immunocompromised patient in India. This case suggests histoplasmosis may be an emerging opportunistic infection in the region.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection caused by Histoplasma capsulatum, typically occurring in immunocompromised individuals, particularly those with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
  • While endemic in certain regions, its prevalence in India has been less documented, making new case reports significant for understanding its geographical spread and clinical impact.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a case of disseminated histoplasmosis in a patient with AIDS from Pune, India.
  • To highlight the potential for Histoplasma capsulatum to cause opportunistic infections in India.

Main Methods:

  • Clinical presentation of a 45-year-old male patient with AIDS was analyzed.
  • Diagnostic procedures included bone marrow and splenic aspirates.
  • Identification of Histoplasma capsulatum was confirmed through laboratory analysis of aspirate samples.

Main Results:

  • The patient presented with high-grade fever, hypochondrium pain, pallor, and hepatosplenomegaly.
  • Bone marrow and splenic aspirates revealed numerous intracellular oval yeast forms consistent with Histoplasma.
  • Histoplasma capsulatum was successfully isolated from both bone marrow and splenic aspirates.

Conclusions:

  • This case represents disseminated histoplasmosis in an immunocompromised patient in India.
  • The findings suggest that histoplasmosis could be an emerging opportunistic infection in India, necessitating increased awareness and diagnostic vigilance.

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