Two unusual cases of histoplasmosis in human immunodeficiency virus-infected individuals

P V Bhagwat1, K Hanumanthayya, R S Tophakhane

  • 1Department of Skin and STD, Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences, Hubli-580 022, Karnataka, India. sharadapbhagwat@yahoo.com

Insights

Histoplasmosis, a fungal infection caused by Histoplasma capsulatum, can present with oral lesions, especially in individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Early diagnosis and consideration of this infection are crucial for effective management.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Histoplasmosis, caused by Histoplasma capsulatum, is endemic in certain regions.
  • Disseminated histoplasmosis frequently occurs in immunocompromised individuals, particularly those with HIV.
  • Oral manifestations are common in histoplasmosis patients, affecting 30-50%.

Observation:

  • Two cases of histoplasmosis in India are presented.
  • Case 1: Disseminated histoplasmosis with extensive skin and oral lesions in an HIV-positive patient.
  • Case 2: Tongue ulcer in an HIV-positive patient, diagnosed as histoplasmosis.

Findings:

  • Histoplasmosis diagnosis can be challenging, with limited culture confirmations in India.
  • Oral lesions are significant indicators of histoplasmosis, especially in HIV-infected individuals.
  • The study highlights the importance of considering histoplasmosis in the differential diagnosis of oral lesions in HIV patients.

Implications:

  • Increased awareness of histoplasmosis as a cause of oral lesions in HIV patients is necessary.
  • Prompt diagnosis and treatment of histoplasmosis can improve outcomes in immunocompromised individuals.
  • Further research on histoplasmosis epidemiology and diagnostics in India is warranted.

Related Concept Videos

Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
Immunodeficiency Diseases01:25

Immunodeficiency Diseases

Immunodeficiency disorders are conditions in which the immune system's ability to fight infectious disease and cancer is compromised or entirely absent. The immune system comprises a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from potentially harmful invaders. When this system is deficient or not functioning properly, it leaves the body susceptible to infections, diseases, or other complications.
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency disorders...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I01:29

Pulmonary Tuberculosis I

Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Sexually Transmitted Infections01:26

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are diseases transmitted primarily through unsafe sexual interactions. Bacteria, viruses, or parasites cause them and can result in severe health complications if untreated.ChlamydiaThe bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis is responsible for the disease Chlamydia, the most common STI in the United States. This peculiar pathogen requires human cells to reproduce, residing intracellularly. The initial infection often goes unnoticed because it typically does not...
Toxoplasmosis01:28

Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis, a zoonotic disease caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii, poses significant public health challenges globally due to its high seroprevalence and varied clinical manifestations. As an obligate intracellular parasite, T. gondii can infect all warm-blooded vertebrates, but felids are its only definitive hosts, shedding unsporulated oocysts into the environment. Humans typically acquire the infection through ingestion of tissue cysts in undercooked meat or oocysts from...
Amebiasis01:28

Amebiasis

Entamoeba histolytica, a protozoan parasite, is responsible for intestinal and extraintestinal amebiasis. Though a significant proportion of infections remain asymptomatic, approximately 50 million individuals annually are estimated to present with clinical disease, resulting in up to 100,000 deaths globally. The disease burden is disproportionately high in regions with lower socioeconomic status, such as parts of India, Africa, Mexico, and Latin America.Etiology and TransmissionThe infective...